The sheng, a living relic of three millennia of China’s ritual musical tradition, which sounds are activated by airflow and vibrating reeds. After its introduction to Europe, the sheng wielded great impact on the development of global musical instruments. Belonging to the same reed instrument family as the harmonica and bagpipe, the sheng’s repertoire and style developed very differently because of its cultural roots.  

International Sheng and Reeds Festival was conceptualized by Yan Huichang (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for Life). The Festival will be held both in-person and online, with Hong Kong as the main hub and with connecting events in different regions. It is an event that integrates culture, sports, and tourism.  The Festival will be inaugurated by the large-scale event, the “Endless Sheng, Thousand Reeds in Harmony Marathon”. Other activities include an International Symposium and an International Chinese Sheng Competition, organized in collaboration with a preparatory committee formed by music conservatories and orchestras from mainland China. The Festival will culminate in the Opening Concert of HKCO's 50th Orchestral Season, entitled "Thousand Reeds, One Universe", scheduled for September 2026. This finale will feature performances by renowned sheng performers and ensembles from around the world, alongside representatives from the Sheng Marathon and HKCO.