More than 100 young pipa players from over 10 provinces gathered at Beijing's Forbidden City Concert Hall on July 8 to mark the 15th anniversary of the pipa summer camp, a music education program dedicated to promoting China's traditional lute among young people.
The camp, part of the annual Gateway to Arts summer festival, staged a concert featuring ensemble performances of works such as Little Bee and The Happy Summer Camp.
Founded in 2011 by renowned pipa virtuoso and Central Conservatory of Music professor Zhang Hongyan, the camp combines performance training with cultural education. Over two and a half days, students took part in intensive rehearsals, ensemble classes and workshops designed to deepen both their technical skills and understanding of traditional Chinese music.
This year's program also introduced a percussion and rhythm class led by Central Conservatory of Music teacher Liu Rui, encouraging students to explore music through movement and body percussion in addition to instrumental performance.
The camp has maintained a strong public service mission since its founding. Volunteer teachers provide free instruction to students of different skill levels, including children with special educational needs, with an emphasis on joyful learning and cultural confidence.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Zhang reflected on the camp's 15-year journey. "What has never changed is the affection behind it," she said. "That is what gives the camp its soul and makes the music more moving. We hope more people will come to love the pipa and traditional Chinese music."
