Maybe grassroots erhu is just like blind maestro Ah Bing. With obvious flaws and disadvantages, they create the music that is closest to our voices and souls.
Where to buy an erhu
Shanghai Folk Instrument Company's Sales Department
Address: 114 Nanjing Rd E.
Tel: 021-6321-2869
Shanghai Dunhuang Instrument's Sales Department
Add: 40 Henan Rd S.
Tel: 021-6322-0041
Where to buy erhu books and CDs
Shanghai City of Books
Address: 465 Fuzhou Rd
Tel: 021-6391-4848
Where to learn erhu
Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Address: 20 Fenyang Rd
Tel: 021-6437-0137
Coming musical attractions
Erhu and yangqin (dulcimer) concert
The repertoire includes a rarely performed contemporary piece named "Shuang Que" composed by famous Chinese composer Tan Dun some 20 years ago. Combining Chinese ancient philosophy with modern composition techniques, the piece depicts the intense atmosphere of hunting and the sense of satisfaction afterwards. It's also a rare piece that combines erhu and yangqin.
Date: June 23, 2pm
Erhu solo by maestro Min Huifen
Date: July 7, 2pm
Erhu and piano
The concert features several famous Western pieces includ-ing "Carmen" played by several distinguished erhu soloists.
Date: August 11, 2pm
Erhu solo
Date: September 15, November 10, December 15, 2pm
Erhu and suona (Chinese horn)
The gentleness in the tone of the erhu and the power of suona form a strong contradiction. The suona will be introduced in later columns of "Musical Legacy."
Date: October 27, 2pm
Tickets: 50-220 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong