"I have written for movies, TV dramas and operas. It was quite challenging to write the libretto for a symphonic choral piece. I tried to make it sound like a poem, an ode to the city where I have lived for about 70 years," says Zou.

The 72-year-old has previously collaborated with the NCPA on its opera productions, The Chinese Orphan and Xi Shi.

Soloists, including soprano Li Xintong, tenor Wang Chong, Peking Opera actor Wang Chao, and xihe dagu performer Zhao Ning, feature in the Beijing Cantata. Xihe dagu is a traditional art form combining storytelling and drum playing.

Zou Jingzhi has written the lyrics for another new piece, New Rhythm of Chinese Classical, with music by composer Zou Ye, which will be premiered by conductor Jiao Miao and the China NCPA Chorus on Dec 8 this year in the concert celebrating the 15th anniversary of the China NCPA Chorus.

According to Zou Jingzhi, the new choral piece is adapted from four ancient Chinese compositions: Three Stanzas of Plum Blossoms, Su Wu the Shepherd, A Parting Tune With a Thrice Repeated Refrain, and A Night of Flowers and Moonlight by the Spring River.

"I am really intrigued by the idea of turning ancient Chinese music into choral pieces, which will allow the audience to reimagine these great works in an easy and beautiful way," says Zou Jingzhi, adding that he hopes to create more choral pieces based on old Chinese music.