Strings and symphony in cultural harmony

On the evening of April 17, the National Centre for the Performing Arts hosted the third edition of its "Spring of Traditional Chinese Music" series, presenting a standout concert titled Wind and Plum Blossoms.

Acclaimed zhongruan (a lute-like traditional Chinese instrument) player and conductor Wu Qiang made her debut collaboration with the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Zhang Yi.

This concert, centered around the theme of "Dialogue Between East and West, Harmony Between the Ancient and the Modern", featured contemporary Chinese instrumental works.

A concerto for pipa and symphony orchestra titled Jumping to the Music, composed by Zhou Xianglin, took center stage. Inspired by the traditional dance of the Yi ethnic group in Yunnan province, the piece merges the earthy rhythms of the mountains with symphonic textures. Wu brought it to life with exceptional skill, expertly capturing the lively and rustic movements of the Yi ethnic group through the zhongruan's rich, dynamic tones.

The concert marked a personal milestone for Wu, her first appearance with the orchestra both as soloist and conductor. A professor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music and China's first-ever graduate with a master's degree in traditional music conducting, Wu has spent decades mastering the zhongruan and has long conducted traditional Chinese orchestras. Her dual role allowed her to communicate effortlessly with the orchestra, guiding rehearsals and achieving a finely balanced interplay between solo and ensemble performances.

Conductor Zhang praised Wu's exceptional artistry, noting that she is a rare artist who combines the sensitivity of a soloist with the vision of an orchestra leader.

The second half featured symphonic repertoire, including Symphony No 11 The Year 1905 by Dmitri Shostakovich, marking the 120th anniversary of the composer's birth.