Guzheng concerto 'Pursuit of Light' premieres at NCPA

The symphonic version of Pursuit of Light for guzheng (Chinese zither) and orchestra, a guzheng concerto inspired by Northeast China's folk music and the red cultural legacy of the Lu Xun Academy of Arts, premiered on Oct 7 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

The work was featured in a symphonic concert, performed by the China Film Symphony Orchestra under conductor Fan Tao. Guzheng soloist Jia Xiaoli, a professor at Shenyang Conservatory of Music, performed the concerto.

Composed by Wang Rui, a faculty member in the composition and conducting department of Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Pursuit of Light draws inspiration from the landscapes and folk traditions of Northeast China, blending regional musical elements with the expressive power of a symphony orchestra.

The approximately 11-minute work moves between lyrical, reflective passages evoking the vastness of the northeastern black-soil plains and energetic sections inspired by the region's lively yangge folk dance. Techniques including rapid plucking, sweeping strokes and sustained tremolo create flowing melodic lines that expand the guzheng's traditional sound within a symphonic setting.

Jia described the piece as melodically accessible and emotionally soothing, combining artistic depth with broad audience appeal.

Through its fusion of northeastern folk traditions and symphonic expression, Pursuit of Light offers a fresh perspective on the development of original Chinese guzheng music.

The concert also brought Chinese music works, including Violin Concerto No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra by Zhao Jiping, featuring violinist Yue Lin, and A New Song of Herdsmen for bamboo flute and orchestra featuring bamboo flutist Zhang Hui.