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Culture: Ancient music style hits new notes of appreciation

It is music that dates back centuries, and its grace and eloquence are attracting new audiences. The wind and percussion instruments of Xi'an guyue have been a regular feature for more than a millennium in Shaanxi province. Its unique sound combines drums and often a male chorus. The music was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009. To protect the art form, experts have been seeking to revive it in innovative ways. In April, the Xi'an Conservatory of Music released an album which features classic scores from centuries ago. The Shaanxi Art Study Institute set up a program to bring guyue into campuses. The institute also held world tours and cultural exchange activities.