The orchestra performs Bruckner's Symphony No 7 during a concert in Guangzhou on March 22, 2023. GAN YUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Over the years, Lyu has made it his mission to explore the composer's monumental symphonies — work that has come to define an important chapter in his artistic life. He says that his relationship with Bruckner has been a journey of deep personal resonance.

"It wasn't possible for me to record this cycle when I was a young conductor. Bruckner's music is an exploration of human emotion, and his symphonies express strength, fragility, belief, and existential reflection," says Lyu, who was born into a musical family in Shanghai and began studying piano and cello at a young age. He later studied conducting at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and at 24, was admitted to Berlin University of the Arts to hone his skills. The following year, he was awarded the First and Jury's Prize at the Antonio Pedrotti International Conducting Competition in Trento, Italy, launching his career as a conductor.

"The significance of this release extends beyond the borders of China, as it places the NCPA Orchestra at the heart of a global conversation about Bruckner," the conductor adds.

The recording of all nine symphonies has been years in the making. The orchestra first performed Bruckner's symphonies in 2016, when they were considered a tough sell in China. However, under Lyu's leadership, perceptions have shifted dramatically. The orchestra's performances of Bruckner now draw significant crowds, with attendance rates rising from 70 percent in 2016 to 85 percent in 2023, according to the NCPA. This shift underscores the growing maturity of the Chinese classical music audience and an increasing appreciation for the emotional depth of Bruckner's work.