Traditional music bridges cultures in Foshan

The Silk Road Artist Residency Program, initiated by the Silk Road International League of Theatres, was held from Aug 13 to 17 in Foshan, Guangdong. Through a combination of artist residency and public engagement, the program, organized by CPAA Theatres, explored new ways to promote people-to-people connections between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and regions along the Belt and Road.

A key event of the program was a concert titled Poetic Homeland: Yang Weijie and Sha Jingshan's Greater Bay Area Chinese Music Sentiment, held on Saturday at Foshan Grand Theatre, a member of the Silk Road International League of Theatres.

The concert was performed by a Hong Kong-based traditional music ensemble and led by renowned dizi virtuoso and composer Yang Weijie and celebrated pipa performer Sha Jingshan. It featured the award-winning Poetic Homeland, the pipa suite Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and classic Cantonese works. Accompanied by Hong Kong pianist Timothy Kwok, the duo delivered a performance that drew prolonged applause from the audience.

The program also moved beyond the traditional theater setting, creating more diverse and immersive opportunities for public engagement. At Foshan Library, the artists held a traditional music workshop for local enthusiasts, offering hands-on instruction in instrumental techniques and sharing insights into the works.

The artists also staged pop-up performances at landmarks across Foshan, where residents stopped to listen and interact with them. "Being able to hear such high-level traditional music right here in my neighborhood and interact with professional musicians makes the traditions of the Silk Road feel much closer to us," said a local music enthusiast surnamed Wang who attended the workshop.

The artists also visited Foshan Museum, exploring artifacts related to the Maritime Silk Road and drawing inspiration from Foshan's cultural heritage. The visit created another connection between historical heritage and contemporary music-making.