An extraordinary group of Chinese virtuosos will be touring Chinese New Year Concert in the UK from 13 – 19th February, performing a selection of Chinese masterpieces that have endured for centuries. In the lucky Tiger year 2010, the Chinese New Year day falls on western Valentine’s Day, February 14th. These exceptional musicians, Dong Qui-Ming, Zhu Xiao-meng, Wang Wei-ping, Chen Da-can and Zhou Jin-yan, guarantee an enthralling evening of both solo and ensemble performance, and bestow an atmosphere of elegance, beauty and wonder
The music of China is truly one of a kind; it touches the heart and soul. Variations of rhythm, tone, ornamentation and composition are created and played with exquisite style and techniques refined over thousands of years. It is a rare chance to witness the beautiful music that come from the ancient instruments guzheng, pipa, erhu and bamboo flute.
“The best of Chinese music is still largely undiscovered although Chinese cuisine, circus and Kungfu are better promoted internationally. The arrangement of classical melodies will charm you.” Liu Li Concert Director
“Haunting melodies, passionate expressiveness… the wide variety of tunes, really raises music lovers’ eyebrows… many inspirations to all level of western musicians, composers and students… a musical feast for sure…” Warren Deer Arts Critic
The following are the programmes for the concert
春江花月夜 Spring River Blossom Moon Night Ancient Music Dated: Ming Dynasty 14th Century
梁祝 Butterfly Lovers Composed in 1959 by Nanjing Music Group Inspired by an old Chinese love story. Due to an arranged marriage, a young couple could not fulfil their love when they were alive. They were reincarnated as butterflies free to love each other for ever.
秦川抒怀The Air of Qin River
Compiled by Ma Di
Based on material drawn from the repertoire of the Shan-xi Opera. The piece is lyrical and imbued with the spirit of Northwest China.
二泉映月Reflection of the Moon in the Pond
Composed by Ar Bin
in 1950
The piece has topped the Chinese music chart in both the USA and Germany.
渔舟唱晚The Song of Fishing Boats at Sunset
Composed by Lou Shi-hua (1907-1952)
A song expressing the beauty of the southern Yangzi river landscape.
阳关三叠Yang-guan Faraway
Ancient music Dates from the Tang Dynasty (618 ---907AD).
Inspired by Wang Wei’s poem describing his deep sorrow when seeing off his good friend leaving their hometown. The popular line goes: 劝君更进一杯酒，西出阳关无故人 ‘ Have another drink my dear friend, you will see no more familiar faces after departing Yang-guan inn.’
彝族舞曲Dance Tune of the Yi People
Composed by Wang Hui-ran in 1965
Along with the Han people China consists of 55 distinct minorities. Yi people is one of them based in Yunnan province, south west China. This piece is composed for festival occasions.
赛马Horse Racing Composed by Huang Hai-huai in 1959
良宵New Year Eve Tune
Composed by Liu Tian-hua in 1927
It was created on the spot when his friends visited him for the festival gathering. 战台风Against Typhoon Composed by Wang Cang-yuan in 1965 A vibrant piece using the full range of the Guzheng ability to portray the coming and going of the mighty typhoon.
高山流水Lofty Mountain and Running Water
Ancient Music Dates from 475-221 BC.
It was based on a story that went back before the first emperor Qin. It goes like this, a musician was playing, an audience could tell what was in the player’s mind, either about lofty mountains or running water, soon the two people become great friends. The term ‘Lofty mountain and Running Water’ has entered the language as a Chinese idiom meaning to seek congenial friends.
荫中鸟Birds Shading in the Trees
Composed by Liu Guan-yue
梅花三弄Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Ancient music
Originated during the East Jin Dynasty 316-420 AD.
A clear and unchained melodic theme is repeated three times in different parts of this memorable piece. Illustrating the purity of plum flowers and their heroic fight to survive against the cold weather.
十面埋伏Ambushed
Ancient music Dates from the Tang Dynasty (772—846).
Illustrates the major phases during ancient war, such as commanding, lining up, marching towards, fighting, ambushed and finally, coming back or dying in triumph or defeat.
节日的天山 Festival at Tian Mountain
Compiled by Gio Ming-qin
Tian Mountian is in the west of China, North of Tibet. Populated by Xing- jiang people, who are famed for their singing and dancing.
旱天雷Thunder without Rain
Compiled by Qiu He-chou in 1921
A representative piece of Cantonese music, originating in South East China, Guangdong province, where Hong Kong is situated in.
茉莉花 Jasmine
Compiled by He Fang
Emblematic of Chinese folk music. The piece comes with lyric and has been frequently used in many international events.
彩云追月 Colour Clouds Run after the Moon
Composed by Ren Guang and Nie Er in 1936
喜洋洋 Beaming with Joy
Composed by Liu Ming-yuan in 1958 ~
One of the pieces specially composed for Chinese New Year.
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