SOAS holds 'Sounds of Spring' Chinese New Year concert

To welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse – symbolised by vitality, energy and spirit – newly appointed SOAS Professor of Practice Dr Cheng Yu directed and presented a large-scale Chinese Lunar New Year concert involving over 50 musicians on 3rd March at SOAS.

The Sounds of Spring Chinese Music Extravaganza showcased a diverse range of instrumental music including the guqin zither, pipa lute, regional instrumental ensembles, and a 25-musician Chinese orchestra conducted by Yi-chuan Chen. SOAS’s own silk and bamboo ensemble, led by Dr Hwee San Tan and visiting scholar Xie Liqing, joined the performance.

It’s my first time hearing a Chinese music concert, it’s so brilliant, with many different instruments and styles.

The vibrant programme moved between Beijing opera to the music of Shanghai teahouses, from characteristic Cantonese melodies to Chaozhou string music, from Sichuan opera face-changing to the gentle folk songs of Guangxi. It included pieces from the BBC wildlife documentary "Wild China" and themes from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The concert climaxed with an exacting orchestral piece “Galloping Horses”. Tea served during the interval enhanced the social dimension of the event.

I felt the tradition and the culture. I wished it wouldn’t end.

Audience members commented: “It’s my first time hearing a Chinese music concert, it’s so brilliant, with many different instruments and styles”. London Councillor Andrew Bailey said, “Absolutely amazing, … I lost myself in the music, I felt the tradition and the culture. I wished it wouldn’t end.”