China NCPA Orchestra

Pursuing Sonic Excellence, Achieving Performance Mastery
China NCPA Orchestra Enters Exclusive Partnership with Larsen Strings

The China NCPA Orchestra and Denmark’s Larsen Strings have announced an exclusive strategic partnership, uniting a shared commitment to artistic mastery and the pursuit of sublime sound. Together, they embark on a journey to refine orchestral tone through innovation, craftsmanship, and creative collaboration—offering audiences worldwide a renewed orchestral experience infused with vitality and precision.

As one of China’s most acclaimed symphony orchestras, the China NCPA Orchestra has consistently raised the bar in performance excellence and cultural influence. Under the baton of Music Director Lü Jia, the orchestra’s recording of Bruckner’s complete symphonies was met with critical praise from Gramophone magazine, which hailed their rendition of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 as “one of the finest recordings in history”—a landmark moment in the ensemble’s international recognition.

Founded in 1990, Larsen Strings has become synonymous with tonal refinement and uncompromising quality, designing and producing its strings in Denmark. Over 35 years, Larsen has earned the trust of leading string players across the globe—including cellist Wang Jian—while remaining at the forefront of technological development in string making.

This partnership was forged through two years of close collaboration, beginning in 2023 with a series of in-depth workshops. These sessions brought Larsen’s technical team together with musicians from the China NCPA Orchestra to explore the interplay between string construction and tonal nuance. From adjusting material compositions to tailoring string response to individual playing styles, the collaboration offered a rare opportunity for dialogue and experimentation—resulting in string solutions that honour the orchestra’s unique artistic character.

For the orchestra’s string players, the collaboration opened new paths of discovery. With access to Larsen’s full range of tonal possibilities, musicians fine-tuned their set-ups to complement both their personal expression and the ensemble’s collective sound—enhancing cohesion and resonance across the section.

Formalised in July 2025, the partnership now enters a new phase of shared vision and mutual inspiration.

Under this exclusive agreement, Larsen Strings will provide bespoke string configurations tailored to Maestro Lü Jia’s sonic ideals, supporting the orchestra’s performances, recordings, and international tours. In parallel, the two institutions will conduct long-term research into string materials, craftsmanship and playing techniques—contributing valuable insight to the evolution of orchestral sound in the 21st century.