A poster for the classical Chinese poetry concert performed by Xiao Ma and Zhang Dongfang, musicans from Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Sofia Music Weeks]

Two musicians from Ningbo, Zhejiang province set out to Central and Eastern Europe on June 3, where they will bring a concert featuring classical Chinese poetry to audiences in Bulgaria and Romania.

Xiao Ma, an associate professor at the Conservatory of Music of Ningbo University, and his colleague Dr Zhang Dongfang were invited to perform at the 54th Sofia Music Week International Art Festival. They will perform a concert featuring classical Chinese poetry in Bulgaria and Romania.

The concert includes 13 songs adapted from poems in Chinese poetry collections such as the Book of Songs and the Songs of Chu. The tunes were written by famous Chinese composers, including Luo Zhongrong, Gao Weijie, and Zhao Jiping. It is the first time musicians from Ningbo have held such a concert outside China.

"It will be tough for our throats but we believe we can show the beauty of classical Chinese poetry to foreign audiences," said Xiao.

During their stay in Bulgaria, the musicians will also seek further cooperation between the Conservatory of Music of Ningbo University and the National Academy of Music.

Bulgaria's National Academy of Music was established in 1921, and Xiao will be the first Chinese professor to offer a lesson at the college. During the lesson, he will talk with his Bulgarian peers and teach six doctoral students.