The third edition of the Spring of Traditional Chinese Music Festival came to a conclusion with a concert, The Night of Huqin, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Saturday.
Co-organized by the Central Conservatory of Music and the China National Traditional Orchestra, the concert was led by renowned erhu virtuoso and president of the Central Conservatory of Music, Yu Hongmei, alongside other huqin masters, such as Tang Feng, Zhu Changyao, and Deng Jiandong.
A talented group of musicians, including conductor Liu Sha, the Central Ethnic Orchestra, the Traditional Chamber Orchestra of the Central Conservatory of Music, and the Wild Horse Morin Khuur Orchestra led by 83-year-old morin khuur master Chi Bulag, also joined the performance.
For the first time, eight varieties of the huqin (a seven-stringed Chinese zither) family of instruments, such as the jinghu, gaohu, erhu, and morin khuur (horse-headed fiddle), gathered on one stage. Nearly 60 musicians, ranging from celebrated masters to promising young talents, joined forces to showcase four generations of huqin players, symbolizing a harmonious transmission of musical tradition. The concert beautifully illustrated the depth and artistry of the instrument's musical world.
The performance kicked off with the captivating Famous Huqin Pieces Ensemble Family of the Chinese Nation, which included solo performances, ensemble playing, and orchestral works. The entire concert followed a thematic journey, weaving together the evolution of huqin music — from ancient classics to contemporary works.
The program also featured poignant pieces, such as the melancholic Moonlight Reflected on the Erquan Spring, evoking sadness and reflection, and Red Army Soldiers Come Back, which stirred patriotic memories. The concert also included Affection for Mount Mengand the Yi River, a soulful portrayal of national longing, and the fourth movement of The Great Wall Capriccio, which boldly depicted the nation's strength.
The concert also featured dynamic collaborations, seeing the banhu (a northern Chinese bowed string instrument) converse with the piano, and a grand performance by more than 10 erhu virtuosos.
The evening's finale was the stirring My Motherland and Me, in which all the performers gathered on stage to create a harmonious, moving collective sound.
