Symphony, dance elevate explorations with a zither

A longhaired beauty, Zhao Jienan seems to match the image traditionally associated with a guzheng (Chinese zither) player.

However, when she performs onstage, audiences are surprised by the modernity of her performances. During her recital in Beijing on Sept 30, Zhao performed with a symphony orchestra, contemporary dancers and electronic music. She also invited other traditional Chinese instrument players, including percussionist Wang Jianan and bamboo flutist Yu Xiaoqing to perform with her.

"I'm trying to show the guzheng can be modern and versatile," says the 35-year-old musician.