Thirteen folk singers from different parts of China will take to the stage together for the first time to perform an array of stunning folk songs on Feb 19.

To ensure that the folk songs sound as original as possible, no electric instruments will be used during the concert. All the singers will play musical instruments from their local areas.

"This concert may initially come across as being quite strange for many in the audience," said Li Ningguang, concert organizer. "Unlike other stereotyped concerts featuring graceful professional singers, good looking comperes, and almost flawless musical accompaniments, this concert is the real deal," he said. "It will be a rare opportunity for Beijingers to enjoy a very authentic performance of folk songs."

The 13 folk singers, including Shi Zhanming, Zhao Dadi, Gao Baoli, Qi Fulin, Wang Aihua, Wang Aimin, Wen Li, Bian Yinghua and Ren Qing, will perform more than 10 kinds of folk songs from different parts of China, like xintianyou in Shaanxi Province, throat singing in Inner Mongolia, hua'er in Qinhai Province and the ancient-style chorus of the Qiang minority.

Most of the singers are from the countryside and few have received formal singing training, but their strong voices and knowledge of local songs have won them high praise in recent years.

Shi Zhanming, one of the best folk singers, comes from a farming family in a remote village in Shanxi Province. The shepherd's life was dramatically changed in 2002 when he won the title "King Singer" in a Shanxi folk song contest. Wen Li, another folk singer, is the only female singer who can perform the unique throat singing of the Mongolian ethnic group. This method of singing has almost died out.

"They represent the highest peak in the upsurge of original music," said Tian Qin, dean of the China Art Academy. "Singing is part of their life style, they sing what they see, what they think and what they do. Their natural, wild style is truly captivating."

Xiao Changyan

7:30pm, Feb 19,20. Century Theater, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6112-1255.

(China Daily 02/07/2007 page13)