Cheng Yu

London Youlan Qin Society Music Yaji Gathering – “Spring’s Echo, Summer’s Prelude”
2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:30 UTC
LYQS 162nd Yaji Gathering – Spring’s Echo, Summer’s Prelude 舞雩弦音
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PMVenue: Room C325, Main Building, SOAS, University of London, WC1H 0XG

Join us for good vibes and great company as we welcome spring’s whispers and summer’s first notes at our 162nd Yaji!

On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the London Youlan Qin Society warmly welcomes lovers of guqin and Chinese music to a musical yaji gathering in London. The event will take place from 1:00-3:30pm. Centred on the performance of the guqin and other Chinese instruments, the event offers a graceful space to welcome early summer through culture and shared appreciation.

The event welcomes both performers and listeners.
This regular Yaji provides a relaxed and friendly platform for appreciating guqin music, traditional aesthetics, and scholarly exchange.
Book your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lyqs-161st-yaji-gathering-tickets-1981497189434?aff=erelexpmlt
For performance enquiries: info@ukchinesemusic.comWebsite: www.ukchinesemusic.com

Oxford University – St Cross Traditional Chinese FolkMusic Concert
2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00
Invited by St Cross College, University of London’s World Music Series this year, renowned musicians Cheng Yu and Zongpu Lu will perform as the Silk & Bamboo Duo for the evening concert with a programme that celebrates traditional and regional Chinese music.
The Silk & Bamboo Duo comprises:
https://www.stx.ox.ac.uk/event/st-cross-traditional-chinese-folk-music-concert
Cheng Yu who plays the pipa (four-stringed lute) and guqin (seven-stringed zither).
and Zongpu Lu who plays the dizi (transverse) and xiao (vertical) flutes.
Date & Time: 7pm, 7th May 2026 (Free entry, booking requested)
Venue: Pusey House Chapel
St Cross College, University of Oxford
61 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LZ
Booking:
This concert is free to attend but registration is required due to limited seating.
If you’d like to attend please register at this link.
12:30 – 13:15, Saturday 25 July 2026
Westminster Reference Library, London
35 St Martin’s St, WC2H 7HP
Admission: Free | Limited Seating
Book Ticket: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=G96VzPWXk0-0uv5ouFLPkR5jaOhZ-WFAsg1e4vS9kAxUMjMzNk82TVNLV1ExOUlCRVAwU0pTWFI2WiQlQCNjPTEu&route=shorturl

London Youlan Qin Society Music Yaji Gathering – “Of Spring Scents and Cadences”
2026-03-07 13:00 - 16:30
LYQS 161st Yaji Gathering – “Of Spring Scents and Cadences”日暖花香山鸟啼
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026Time: 1:00pmVenue: SOAS, University of LondonMain Building, Room RG01, WC1H 0XG
The London Youlan Qin Society (LYQS) will hold its 161st Yaji gathering at SOAS, bringing together guqin enthusiasts and Chinese music lovers for an afternoon of cultural exchange and artistic sharing.
Cheng Yu, Founder and Chairman of the London Youlan Qin Society, will attend and take part in this special gathering.
The event welcomes both performers and listeners. Participants who wish to perform are invited to submit their programme by 5 March via email.
This regular Yaji provides a relaxed and friendly platform for appreciating guqin music, traditional aesthetics, and scholarly exchange.
Book your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lyqs-161st-yaji-gathering-tickets-1981497189434?aff=erelexpmlt
For performance enquiries: info@ukchinesemusic.comWebsite: www.ukchinesemusic.com

Sounds of Spring – Lunar New Year Concert 2026
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre SOAS, University of London London WC1B 5DQ
Sounds of Spring “春之韵” Concert – Lunar New Year
Celebrating the year of the Horse
Happy Spring Festival!
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a special programme of rich, vibrant traditional and contemporary music. What better way to enjoy the full moon and to welcome spring!
Presented by SOAS, University of London, Organised by China Arts and UK Chinese Music, with a programme curated by Cheng Yu, the concert brings together leading musicians from China and the UK, featuring:

Chinese Orchestral Music (国乐管弦乐团)
Silk and Bamboo Music (江南丝竹)
Beijing Opera (京剧)
Face Changing (变脸)
Chaozhou String-Poem Music (潮州弦诗)
Pipa and Guqin Ensembles (琵琶与古琴合奏)
And more

Date & Time: 7:30pm, 3 March 2026Venue: SOAS Gallery Lecture TheatreSOAS, University of LondonLondon WC1B 5DQ
Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sound-of-spring-lunar-new-year-celebration-tickets-1978897431488

Lunar New Year Celebration - Bang Bang Oriental City
2026-02-24 18:00 - 21:00
Join us on Thursday, 26 February 2026 in the evening for a special Lunar New Year celebration featuring a rich programme of cultural activities and performances.
Cheng Yu has been specially invited to take part in this event, bringing an artistic highlight to the evening.
More exciting activities will be announced soon, so be sure to follow our social media for the latest updates.

Chinese New Year Concert & Celebration with Sherry Youth Chamber Orchestra
2026-02-22 15:00 - 16:00
Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pmVenue: Sands End Arts & Community Centre, London, SW6 3EZ
This special Lunar New Year concert features the Sherry Music Academy Youth Chamber Orchestra, presenting an East-meets-West programme performed by talented young musicians.
Cheng Yu has been specially invited to perform at this celebration, bringing a distinctive cultural highlight to the event.
The programme is accompanied by traditional dumpling-tasting and dumpling-making activities, offering audiences an engaging intercultural experience.
A joyful celebration of music, culture, and community in the heart of London.
Book your ticket:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sherry-music-academy-youth-chamber-orchestra-lunar-new-year-concert-tickets-1979729494210

Quatuor Danel Lunchtime Concert
2026-02-19 13:10 - 15:00 | Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama University of Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
19 February 2026, 1:10pm
Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama, University of Manchester
Pipa virtuoso Cheng Yu is honoured to be invited by the University of Manchester to perform with the internationally acclaimed Quatuor Danel in this special lunchtime concert.
The programme presents a dialogue between Chinese and Western contemporary and traditional music, featuring both solo pipa repertoire and a world premiere for pipa and string quartet by composer Joshua Brown.
This collaboration highlights the expressive possibilities of the pipa within a Western chamber music context, bringing together diverse musical traditions through refined performance and new composition.
Programme:

Phil Grange – Soliloquy for Solo Viola
Traditional Chinese solo pipa works – Cheng Yu
Joshua Brown – Pipa Quintet (World Premiere)for Pipa and String Quartet, with Cheng Yu (pipa)

Venue:
Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama
University of Manchester
Bridgeford Street, Manchester M13 9PL
Admission: Free
With the support of the University of Manchester and the Confucius Institute.
https://events.manchester.ac.uk/event/event:eg3-mdzvf72x-crjhfr

https://chengyumusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/202512032012.mp4

East Meets West Gala Concert
2026-02-17 19:00 - 22:00
East Meets West Gala ConcertDate: Tuesday, 17 February 2026Time: 7:00pmVenue:
The Menuhin Hall
Cobham Road
Stoke D’Abernon
Surrey
KT11 3QQ
An exuberant East Meets West Chamber Music Gala Concert, marking the grand finale of the SMA Chamber Music Festival and welcoming a year filled with creativity, vitality, and new artistic journeys.
The evening features two parts: a showcase by SMA young musicians, followed by an international artists ensemble bringing together Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Cheng Yu has been invited to perform alongside Erhu artist Ziyang Huang (UK Chinese Music) and international chamber musicians, presenting iconic works that highlight cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.
Book your ticket:
https://www.menuhinhall.co.uk/events/east-meets-west-gala-concert

Golden Horse Soars · 2026 Heritage in Harmony Chinese New Year Concert
2026-02-14 19:30 - 22:00
Golden Horse Soars · 2026 Heritage in Harmony Chinese New Year ConcertDate: Saturday, 14 February 2026Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pmVenue: Sinfonia Smith Square, London
金马腾飞 · 非遗之美｜伦敦新春音乐会
Prof. Cheng Yu will take the stage for “Golden Horse Soars · 2026 Heritage in Harmony Chinese New Year Concert“, held at Sinfonia Smith Square, a Grade I listed concert hall in central London, the event offers an intimate and immersive listening experience in celebration of the Year of the Horse. As a virtuoso of the Pipa and Guqin, she will perform alongside a full symphony orchestra and the UK Chinese Youth Choir. The programme features a diverse repertoire, including traditional masterpieces and contemporary suites inspired by Genshin Impact, showcasing the dialogue between ancient heritage and modern global culture.
Project Credits:

Chinese Music Artistic Consultant: Prof. Cheng Yu

Organisers: Time Capsule & New Elements

Supporting Body: Cultural Section, Chinese Embassy in the UK

Venues: Sinfonia Smith Square (14 Feb)

Book Ticket
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/golden-horse-soars-2026-heritage-in-harmony-chinese-new-year-concert-tickets-1981377261727

East Meets West: Lunar New Year Concert at the British Museum
2026-02-13 18:30
Date: 13th February 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Room 33 (The Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia)
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Admission: Free
Prof Cheng Yu has been invited to perform in a special concert of Chinese and Western music at the British Museum, orgainsed by New Elements Music to celebrate the Year of the Horse. This continues her long-standing collaboration with the Museum, where she has previously performed for landmark exhibitions including the Terracotta Army, China’s Hidden Century, and The Silk Road.

Lunar New Year Concert 2026 - University of Birmingham
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham
Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
The China Institute is delighted to invite you to our 2026 New Year Concert!
Join internationally renowned Chinese pianist Di Xiao and The Silk and Bamboo Trio for a concert threaded with harmony and moonlight to welcome the new year of the Horse!
A host of dazzling performers including:
Di Xiao – Pianist
Cheng Yu – Pipa
Zongpu Lu – Dizi
Mengdie Ji – Guzheng
Tickets will be £5 each, please book your ticket using the link below ****to secure your seat (tickets limited to 2 per booking).
BOOK HERE
We look forward to seeing you at the concert.
If you have any questions please email: academic.conferences@contacts.bham.ac.uk
📍 Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham🎟 Details and tickets: https://uobevents.eventsair.com/lunar-new-year-2026/lunar-new-year2026/Site/Register

‘The Icebreakers’ Chinese New Year Celebration 2026 To celebrate the Year of the Horse
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00
‘The Icebreakers’ Chinese New Year Celebration 2026
To celebrate the Year of the Horse
18:00 – 22:30
Cheng Yu has been invited to perform at the prestigious Icebreakers Chinese New Year Celebration 2026, the flagship annual celebration of UK–China relations, jointly hosted by The 48 Group, CCCUK, and CBBC.
Held in the Ballroom at The Dorchester, the event brings together senior leaders from business, government, and the diplomatic community to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
The Dorchester, London, 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Bookings: events@48group.co.uk
W: https://www.48group.co.uk/

Silk & Bamboo Duo Lunchtime Concert - University of Brunel
2026-01-30 13:10 - 13:50 | The Beldam, Eastern Gateway Building, Brunel University, The Beldam, Eastern Gateway Building, Brunel University
30 Jan 2026, 13:10 – 13:50
Cheng Yu – pipa and guqin
Zongpu Lu – dizi and xiao bamboo flutes
Cheng Yu will play a lunchtime concert with the talented young wind instruments player Zongpu Lu in Brunel, University of London.
They will be performing a set of traditional and modern Chinese music, including solos and duets in various forms such as the guqin and xiao, pipa and pipa with the dizi flute, and hulusi.
📍 Venue: The Beldam, Eastern Gateway Building, Brunel University🎟 Details and tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brunel-arts-lunchtime-concert-silk-bamboo-duo-tickets-1977607180312?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
(If you are unable to book online, you are welcome to try your luck as a walk-in on the day, although seating will be limited.)
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to watch the live stream here:
https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/get-involved/brunel-arts/Concerts-and-performances

NEZHA – A New Hip-Pop Musical
2026-01-08 - 2026-01-09
London Premiere8–9 January 2026The Shaw Theatre, London
Cheng Yu, as the pipa and guqin soloist, is invited to perform in the London premiere of NEZHA, a bold new hip-pop musical inspired by the legendary warrior god of Chinese mythology.
With an electrifying score by Duncan Walsh Atkins and a new book by Teresa Luo and Jennifer Tang, the production blends modern musical theatre, rap, and East Asian storytelling traditions. Traditional Chinese instruments are placed alongside an energetic electric band, creating a striking cross-cultural soundscape.
As the only acoustic instrumentalist within the pop ensemble, Cheng Yu brings the expressive voice of the pipa and guqin into a contemporary theatrical setting, exploring new musical dialogues between tradition and modernity.
“The participation of UK-based pipa soloist Cheng Yu adds a distinctive Eastern musical character to the score. 旅英琵琶演奏家程玉的加入为配乐注入了极具特色的东方韵味。”— People’s Daily 人民网
Performance Times:Thursday 8 January 2026 – 3:00pm & 7:00pmFriday 9 January 2026 – 3:00pm
Venue:The Shaw Theatre100–110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Language: EnglishRunning Time: 90 minutesAge Suitability: 10+

CrossCurrent – A Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Chamber Music
2025-11-25 19:00 - 21:00
Cardiff University, 25 November 2025
The UK Chinese Music Ensemble is delighted to be invited to perform at Cardiff University for CrossCurrent, a concert exploring the dialogue between traditional Chinese instrumental music and contemporary chamber compositions.
Taking place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 7:00 PM, the programme will feature a range of works for pipa, guzheng, and Chinese–Western ensemble, including new premieres. The concert celebrates the evolution of Chinese music in the modern world, while honouring its rich heritage.
This event is presented by Cardiff University in collaboration with the Cardiff Confucius Institute.
📍 Venue: Concert Hall, Music Building, Cardiff University🎟 Details and tickets: events.cardiff.ac.uk/view/crosscurrent

Special lecture and performance - “Boundless Strings, Resonant Silk Road – The Sound Voyage of Chinese Music.” in Zixia Qin Academy
2025-11-02 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025Time: 14:00Venue: Zixia Qin Academy, Dongyong Cultural Park, Dongcheng District, Beijing
On 2 November 2025, the Zixia Qin Academy in Beijing warmly welcomed Professor Cheng Yu of SOAS University of London for an enriching afternoon of music and dialogue titled “Boundless Strings, Resonant Silk Road – The Sound Voyage of Chinese Music.”
As a distinguished pipa and guqin virtuoso, and one of the foremost ambassadors of Chinese music internationally, Prof. Cheng has performed across more than thirty countries, bringing the profound beauty of traditional Chinese instruments to global audiences. She has been hailed by Songlines as a “leading figure in Chinese music in Europe” and has played a vital role in promoting cultural exchange through her scholarship and performance.
This special event combined an insightful lecture with live musical demonstrations, showcasing how Chinese music can transcend borders while retaining its poetic essence.
Programme Highlights:

Moon Rising High (月儿高) – Pipa solo (traditional literary tune adaptation)
Abi cheshme Merghul – Uyghur muqam pipa solo
Üsküdar – Turkish folk melody from the Ottoman period
Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank (平沙落雁) – Guqin solo
Spiritual Resonance (神人畅) – Guqin solo
Improvisation

The gathering brought together pipa and guqin enthusiasts, scholars, and musicians for a memorable afternoon of music and cultural sharing, celebrating the enduring voice of Chinese instruments along the Silk Road.
Prof. Cheng reflected during her talk:

“Music knows no boundaries. Through the pipa and guqin, we hear echoes of ancient stories, and in their strings, the path of the Silk Road continues to resonate,”

London Silk Road Lutes Ensemble Completes Inspiring China Tour Across Beijing and Shanghai
2025-10-17 08:00 - 2025-10-23 17:00
Date: 17–23 October 2025Hosted by: Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing & Shanghai Expo Centre，Music Education Alliance Across the Belt and Road ConferenceSupported by: SOAS University of London & Arts Council England
The London Silk Road Lutes Ensemble, led by acclaimed pipa and guqin player and SOAS professor Cheng Yu, embarked on a significant tour of China in late October, presenting lectures, forums, and performances in Beijing and Shanghai. This marked a milestone in cultural exchange between the UK and China, enriching mutual understanding through dialogue and music.
Part I: Belt and Road Music Education Alliance International Conference – Beijing
Invited by the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM), the ensemble participated in the 4th Belt and Road Music Education Alliance International Conference, held from 18 to 22 October 2025. Delegates from more than twenty top music institutions worldwide attended a programme of lectures, concerts and masterclasses.
Professor Cheng and her ensemble presented a lecture-performance titled:“The Soundscape of the Silk Road Lutes – A Musical Journey from China to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.”The presentation explored interconnected musical traditions through live demonstrations on various lutes and plucked instruments from across Eurasia.

Part II: Closing Concert – Shanghai Expo Centre
Following the Beijing engagements, the ensemble travelled to the Shanghai Expo Centre to deliver further lecture-performances as part of the conference’s Shanghai programme. The event brought together more than 3,000 international delegates across arts, education, and cultural sectors.
The London Silk Road Lutes Ensemble was invited to perform in the conference’s closing concert, where they offered a dynamic and culturally rich finale that was met with enthusiastic applause.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with outstanding musicians and scholars from around the world,” said Professor Cheng Yu. “Music builds bridges and opens hearts — and this tour has affirmed that more than ever.”

Looking Ahead: A Continuing Journey of Cultural Exchange
Founded in 2024, the London Silk Road Lutes Ensemble is comprised of professional musicians and students from SOAS University of London. The ensemble has been supported by Arts Council England, and has appeared at notable venues such as the British Museum, Royal Academy of Music, and the London International Chinese Music Festival, gaining recognition for its intercultural and academic approach.

“We look forward to welcoming music lovers from China and beyond to future collaborations in London,” said Professor Cheng. “From the golden autumn in Beijing to the vibrant energy of Shanghai, this tour is only the beginning.”

Prof. Cheng Yu Performs at 80th Anniversary Concert of the Victory of the Anti-Fascist War
2025-10-11 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025Time: 7:30 PMVenue: St John’s Waterloo, London SE1 8TY
On 11 October 2025, a special commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was held at St John’s Waterloo in London.
Hosted by the London Chinese Philharmonic Choir, the event received strong support from the Chinese Embassy in the UK and members of the Chinese community. The church was filled to capacity, with heartfelt applause echoing throughout an evening of remembrance and musical unity.
The programme featured both Chinese and Western works, highlighted by Xian Xinghai’s monumental Yellow River Cantata (黄河大合唱).Professor Cheng Yu presented a stirring performance of the third movement, “The Yellow River Flows from Heaven” (黄河之水天上来), arranged for pipa, piano, and narration.
This marked Prof. Cheng’s fourth performance of the Yellow River Cantata in the UK, offering audiences a deeply moving interpretation that celebrated the enduring human spirit, resilience, and hope for peace.

China in Black and White – Lunchtime Concert with Mengqing Nie & London Youlan Qin Society
2025-10-03 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Friday, 3 October 2025Time: 1:15–2:00 PMVenue: Victoria Rooms Auditorium, University of Bristol
On Friday, 3 October 2025, pianist Mengqing Nie, a doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol, will collaborate with Prof Cheng Yu and the other musicians from the London Youlan Qin Society in a special lunchtime concert titled “China in Black and White.”
The performance explores the dialogue between Chinese folk melodies and Western piano traditions, offering a rare encounter between East and West through sound. The programme highlights works from the Cultural Revolution period (1966–1976) — a defining era for Chinese piano transcriptions — while also presenting fresh reinterpretations of traditional Chinese music.
By bringing the expressive voice of Chinese plucked-string instruments into conversation with the piano, the concert creates a unique sound world that blends heritage and innovation, tradition and modernity. Audiences can expect evocative textures and musical storytelling that transcend boundaries of time and culture.

Mid-Autumn & National Day Celebration Performance at Huawei London
2025-09-29 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Monday, 29 September 2025Venue: Huawei UK, The Shard, LondonPresented by: Huawei UK
On Monday, 29 September 2025, the UK Chinese Music Ensemble was invited to perform at Huawei London, located in The Shard, in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day.
The ensemble presented a selection of elegant traditional Chinese music, bringing a festive and cultural atmosphere to the occasion. With refined performances on instruments such as the pipa, dizi, ruan, and erhu, the music resonated beautifully against the stunning London skyline — a poetic blend of heritage and modernity.
The event was warmly received by guests, who appreciated this musical celebration of reunion, joy, and shared cultural spirit.

Silk & Bamboo & Kunqu Opera Concert- Prof Cheng and UK Chinese Music Ensemble in Luxembourg
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Friday, 26 September 2025Venue: Trifolion Echternach Concert Hall, LuxembourgPresented by: The University of Luxembourg and the “Ni Hao” Confucius Institute
Invited by the University of Luxembourg and the “Ni Hao” Confucius Institute, the UK Chinese Music Ensemble will bring the timeless beauty of Silk and Bamboo music and Kunqu opera to the stage of Trifolion Echternach Concert Hall, Luxembourg. Performed by a six-member ensemble, this special concert offers audiences an enchanting evening of Chinese traditional music and cultural heritage. Event Details About the Concert On the invitation of the University of Luxembourg and the “Ni Hao” Confucius Institute, the UK Chinese Music Ensemble will perform at the prestigious Trifolion Echternach Concert Hall. The programme will feature Silk and Bamboo music (丝竹乐) — the elegant chamber music of southern China — alongside excerpts from Kunqu opera (昆曲), one of the oldest forms of Chinese theatre and listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This concert is part of the ensemble’s mission to bring the richness and diversity of Chinese music to international audiences through concerts, education, and cross-cultural exchange.A celebration of music, heritage, and cross-cultural connection.
“On Friday 26 September 2025, the Confucius Institute at the University of Luxembourg collaborated with the Trifolion to host a spectacular Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Echternach! We were honoured to welcome six outstanding musicians from the UK Chinese Music Ensemble, a renowned group dedicated to sharing the beauty and depth of traditional Chinese music with audiences across Europe. Their performance, “Sound of Silk and Bamboo”, transported us through centuries of musical heritage, blending ancient melodies with masterful artistry. 🎶 👏 Bravo to all the performers for their breathtaking talent!” — Jauffrey Bareille, Team Leader of Confucius Institute, University of Luxembourg

Performance at the MAUK Annual Celebration at the House of Lords
2025-09-06 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Saturday, 6 September 2025Venue: The House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London
Prof. Cheng Yu and members of the UK Chinese Music Ensemble were honoured to be invited to perform at the Malaysia Association of the United Kingdom (MAUK) Annual Celebration held at the House of Lords in London.
The event brought together guests from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the richness of the UK’s multicultural society. It was a joyful occasion filled with friendship, music, and beautiful views of the River Thames.

Prof. Cheng Yu Awarded “International Peace Artist” Title & Featured on Commemorative Stamp Series
2025-09-03 08:00 - 17:00
To mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a special set of commemorative stamps was officially issued yesterday.
The release was jointly recommended and organised by several respected cultural institutions, including the China International Cultural and Art Development Exchange Center, the European Philatelic Association, and the Shanshui Danqing International Art Center.
In recognition of her outstanding artistic achievements and contribution to cross-cultural understanding, Professor Cheng Yu was awarded the title of “International Peace Artist” by the United Nations World Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Foundation.
The publication and European release of this commemorative stamp series not only celebrate the accomplishments of a distinguished Chinese artist but also pay tribute to China’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of peace and remembrance.

“China–West Soundscape” Concert -The 3rd London International Chinese Music Festival
2025-08-29 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Friday, 29 August 2025Time: 7:00–9:00 PM (BST)Venue: St Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LT
As part of the London International Chinese Music Festival 2025, the “China–West Soundscape” concert celebrates the creative dialogue between Chinese and Western musical traditions. Featuring distinguished musicians and composers from both East and West, the evening presents a dynamic mix of UK and world premieres that bridge instruments, cultures, and generations.
Programme Highlights:

Sacred Cloud Music (庆云乐) – Zhao Jiping, for guqin and string quartet (UK Premiere)
Skye Boat Song (斯凯船歌) – arr. Ray Lin, for guqin ensemble and organ (World Premiere)
Shadow of Sword (剑影) – Ray Lin, for 5-stringed pipa and string quartet (World Premiere)
Lady of Loulan (楼兰女) – Zhong Yaoguang, for yangqin and piano (UK Premiere)
One Undivided (无二) – Sun Keting, for Chinese and Western string octet
Chronotope Folds (时空折叠) – Li Linhao, for mixed chamber ensemble (World Premiere)
Carnival of Miao Village (苗寨狂欢) – Li Xinyan, for Chinese–Western ensemble (UK Premiere)
Lotus Plucking (采莲) – Li Xinyan, for silk-and-bamboo ensemble (UK Premiere)
Camel Bells on the Silk Road (丝路驼铃) – Traditional, arr. for Chinese–Western orchestra

A landmark event highlighting innovation, collaboration, and the evolving soundscape of Chinese music in the contemporary world.

Echoes of Nature – Gala Concert at SOAS - The 3rd London International Chinese Music Festival
2025-08-27 08:00 - 17:00
On Wednesday, 27 August 2025, the gala concert “Echoes of Nature” was held at SOAS, University of London, featuring an exceptional line-up of soloists including Prof. Cheng Yu, Scarlett Erhu, Lulu Bamboo Flute, Kang Yang, and Zino Jiaqi.
The programme celebrated the beauty of nature through a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary Chinese works. Highlights included the guqin ensemble Incantation of Pu’an (普庵咒), kunqu opera extract Bubujiao (步步娇), dizi solo Spring in Ordos (鄂尔多斯的春天), guzheng solo Ode to the Spring (苍歌引), erhu solo The Grapes are Ripe (葡萄熟了), and guqin solos Lotus (荷语) and Flowing Waters (流水).
The evening concluded with ensemble performances of Camel Bells (丝路驼铃) and the Theme from BBC’s Wild China, composed by Barnaby Taylor and specially arranged for Chinese instruments by Huan Li — a fitting finale to a concert that echoed the harmony between music and the natural world.

2025 London International Chinese Music Festival
2025-08-25 - 2025-08-30
25 – 30 August 2025, SOAS, University of London
We are pleased to announce the Third London International Chinese Music Festival is open for registration. You are warmly invited to join our annual Chinese musical feast – the only one of its kind in Europe.

The festival features expert tuition in a range of Chinese instruments and performances by world-renowned musicians and groups.
The festival features expert tuition in a range of Chinese instruments and performances by world-renowned musicians and groups. These include China’s distinguished yangqin dulcimer master Professor Zhao Xinzhi 赵新芝, The Silk Road Dulcimer Ensemble 丝路秦韵扬琴乐团, guqin master Prof. Lin Weili 林蔚丽, young composer/conductor Ray Lin 林秉睿 (Australia), conductor/Chinese flautist Chen Yi-Chuan 陈奕全, and composers Professor Li Xinyan 李欣艳(USA), Sun Keting孙柯亭 (UK) who will premiere exciting new compositions. UK virtuoso musicians and tutors include Dr Cheng Yu 程玉 (pipa), Yang Kang 杨康, Ji Mengdie 冀梦蝶(guzheng), Zhang Jiaqi 张家麒 (guqin/ruan), Lu Zongpu 路宗璞 (dizi), Dennis Lee 李光泰 (xiao and xun), Huang Ziyang黄子洋 (erhu), Michael Skelton 麦克斯凯顿 (percussion) and Wang Wei 王蔚 (Beijing/Kun Opera). Musicians on Western instruments include rising stars Laure Chan and Adrian Wang 王寓哲 on violin and Li Siqian 李斯倩 on piano.
The festival comprises:• A five-day summer school from 25 to 29 August (New: percussion classes 27 to 29 August)
• Two days (optional) Chinese music grading exams/competition 29 and 30 August
• A series of concerts in London, Telford and Oxford 25, 26 27,29 and 30 August
• Guqin and Chinese Music Yaji, SOAS, 18:00-21:00, 28 August
• Masterclasses, workshops, and ensemble classes during the festival
• Calligraphy and Chinese chess (Go)
Summer School – Monday 25 to Friday 29 August, SOAS (Main teaching time: 10am to 1pm, 2-5pm workshops,d ensemble etc.)
The five-day summer school features classes on the guqin 古琴 (7-stringed zither), guzheng 古筝(21-stringed zither), pipa 琵琶 lute, erhu二胡 fiddle, dizi 笛子 and xiao flutes 箫, Beijing Opera 京剧 and Kunqu opera 昆曲 singing and percussion music 打击乐 (27 to 29 August). This will be a rare opportunity for anyone in the UK and overseas interested in learning and understanding more about traditional Chinese music and instruments.
The summer school will combine group classes, one-to-one tuition, masterclasses, talks and workshops. It will be open to participants with little or no experience as well as to those at higher levels. An exciting new addition this year will be an energetic Chinese drumming and percussion class. Our tutors all have Masters’ or higher degrees in music and many years of teaching experience. At the end of the summer school all our students will have the opportunity to perform alongside some of our tutors. Students are encouraged to bring their own instruments. We do, however, have a limited number of instruments for hire or purchase and would encourage you to enquire regarding availability. We will offer two new classes this year:
Introduction to Chinese Opera Singing – taught by Wang Wei
– Beijing and Kunqu Opera 京剧 & 昆曲清唱
Beijing Opera 京剧 and Kunqu Opera 昆曲 are both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage and represent the quintessential art forms of traditional Chinese stage performance. In this five-day (mornings) summer programme during the festival, you will learn the traditional Kunqu classic aria “Zaoluopao” 皂龙袍 and the widely celebrated Peking Opera excerpt “Mu Guiying Takes Command” 穆桂英挂帅’’. Each aria will be studied over two days, with a demonstration show on the last day of the course.
Percussion classes (27– 29 August)
– taught by Micheal Skelton

These classes offers a range of aspects of Chinese percussion from ensemble drumming pieces to introductions to several regional styles of percussion music, as well as sharing more about the backgrounds of each style and teaching the students to speak and understand the “singing score” of Chinese percussion, luogu jing 锣鼓经. (Instruments will be provided). At the end of the course, students can choose to play at the demonstration session to all summer school attendees.
Concert Series
• 25 August, 6pm: Concert and workshop at CulturalKind Chinese Community, Telford, TF3 3BB, Shropshire (tbc.)
• 27 August, 7pm: “Echoes of Nature” Gala Concert. DL Theatre, SOAS, Uni. of London WC1H OXG.
• 26 August, 7pm: Sound of Silk and Bamboo Concert, Oxford (tbc.)
• 29 August, 7pm: China-West Soundscape, St. Marylebone Church, London NW1 5LT
• 30 August, 7pm: Showcase Concert featuring student musicians, R201, Main Building, SOAS, Uni. of London WC1H OXGOne of the highlights is our two contrasting London concerts Echo of Nature and China-West Soundscape. The former focuses on China’s traditional “intangible cultural heritage” (UNESCO), showcasing Kunqu Opera, guqin, Sizhu Silk & Bamboo and Sixian Silk String music whilst the latter is a journey of Chinese-Western musical exploration. We also have the pleasure of featuring the Silk Road Dulcimer Ensemble (丝路秦韵) from Xi’an, China.
List of Musicians / Artists:International Musicians / Artists• Prof. Zhao Xinzhi (yangqin dulcimer master, Xi’an Conservatory China),• Prof. Lin Weili 林蔚丽 (guqin, China) • Ray Lin (composer/conductor, Australia)• Chen Yi-Chuan (conductor/wind instruments player, (Royal College of Music)• Prof. Li Xinyan (composer, Bard College Conservatory of Music, USA)UK Musician / Artists• Dr Cheng Yu – pipa lute and guqin player and festival director• Yang Kang – guzheng and baritone• Ji Mengdie – guzheng player• Zhang Jiaqi – guqin and zhongruan player• Jenny Zhao / Elaine Yu – guqin• Huang Ziyang – erhu player Lu Zongpu – wind instruments (dizi, xiao flutes)• Dennis Lee – xiao and xun wind instruments• Michael Skelton – Chinese drumming/percussion classes
• Wang Wei – Beijing Opera/Kun Opera/Folk Song singer
• Azalea Qin Lei – Calligrapher• Li Siqian – pianist Laure Chan – violinist• Adrian Wang – violinist• Musicians from the UK Chinese Music Ensemble and New Elements MusicChinese Music Grading Exams and Competition– 29 to 30 August, SOAS, University of London, WC1H OXGWe offer students the opportunity to take a grading exam recognised in both China and the UK and to participate in a music competition. The grading is made possible through a partnership between China’s leading authority, China Nationality Orchestra Society (CNOS) and SOAS, University of London. Several participants achieved excellent results, and their grades were accepted and recognised by UK universities and schools.
Exams and competitions (divided into youth and adult groups) include all types of traditional Chinese instruments: guqin, guzheng, pipa, liuqin, yangqin, erhu, dizi, xiao, sheng, suona, hulusi, singing, drumming/percussion instruments and ensemble/group performances. Masterclasses and Workshops• Flutes workshop – Lu Zongpu/Dennis Lee: 2 to 3.30pm, 25 August
• Guzheng zither Workshop – Yang Kang/Ji Mengdie, 2 to 3.30pm, 26 August
• Yangqin dulcimer masterclass – Prof. Zhao Xinzhi, 2 to 3.30pm, 27 August
• Erhu Workshop – Prof. Chen Dacan/Huang Ziyang, 2 to 3.30pm, 28 August
• Beijing and Kunqu Opera workshop – Wang Wei, 10.30am to 12.30pm, 30 August
“Experiencing Traditional Chinese Theatre Arts: Beijing Opera and Kunqu Opera”
This workshop introduces the development history of China’s traditional national performing arts — Beijing Opera and Kunqu Opera. It will cover the vocal styles and performance characteristics of Chinese opera, explore the similarities and differences between Chinese opera, Western opera, and musicals, and finally, participants will enjoy live performances and have the opportunity to try on traditional theatre costumes and take photos.
Workshops are free for attendees who have signed up for the festival and for community music project leaders in the UK (need to email us on info@ukchinesemusic.com from your community by 24 August).

Supplementary classes• Instrumental ensemble classes (Grade 4 and above) – 3.45 to 5pm (26 to 29 August)
with Prof. Chen Dacan, Zhang Jiaqi, Lu Zongpu and all available tutors.
• Calligraphy – Azalea Qin Lei, 28 August, 3.45 to 5.15pm
• Chinese Chess (Go) – Lunchtime leisure activity (25 to 29 August).
Yaji Gathering – Guqin and Chinese Music (Free, open to public)28 Aug 18:00-21:00, Djam Lecture Theatre (DLT), SOAS, London WC1H OXGA special yaji to celebrate Chinese music. The yaji will provide all Festival participants with a chance to interact, share experiences and perform in an informal and relaxed setting.Download the exam and competition guidelines here.Download the festival registration form here.We reserve the right to adjust the schedule, venues and personnel due to unforeseen circumstances.

UK Chinese Music Ensemble Pipa & Plucked String Ensemble Performs at the 76th Anniversary of China’s National Day in London
2025-08-23 08:00 - 17:00
The Pipa and Plucked String Ensemble of the UK Chinese Music Ensemble was honoured to perform at the 76th Anniversary Celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, held in London and hosted by the UK Chinese community.
The event brought together overseas Chinese, local residents, and friends of China to celebrate this important national occasion with music, culture, and unity.
The ensemble presented a newly arranged three-part version of Joyful Days (欢乐的日子), performed entirely from memory after a focused period of rehearsal and preparation. Their refined musicianship and ensemble coordination were warmly received by the audience, contributing to the festive and uplifting atmosphere of the evening.
This performance reflects the UK Chinese Music Ensemble’s continuing mission to promote Chinese traditional music and foster cultural exchange both within the UK and internationally.

Recording for CCTV “Year of the Horse” with award-winning BBC film and TV composer Barnaby Taylor
2025-07-31 08:00 - 17:00
On 31 July 2025, Professor Cheng Yu and colleagues were invited to record music for “The Year of the Horse”, part of China Central Television’s new series on the 12-animal zodiac, with award-winning BBC film and TV composer Barnaby Taylor. This marks their third collaboration over more than a decade, following the acclaimed BBC series Wild China and Disney’s Born in China. The session featured a rich blend of traditional Chinese instruments, creating an evocative sound world for this upcoming production.

Dr Cheng Yu Appointed Professor of Practice at SOAS University of London
2025-07-14 08:00 - 17:00
Date: 14 July 2025Institution: SOAS University of London
Dr Cheng Yu has been officially appointed as Professor of Practice at SOAS University of London, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Chinese music, performance, and cross-cultural education.
In the appointment letter issued by the Executive Board of SOAS, Prof. Cheng is welcomed as an honorary member of the academic staff in the Department of Music, where she will continue to contribute her professional expertise to research, outreach, and international collaboration.
Reflecting on this milestone, Prof. Cheng Yu wrote:

I was deeply honoured to receive this letter from the Vice Dean of SOAS. Since arriving in the UK, SOAS has been like an invisible magnet drawing me closer over the years. From a young musician fresh from the Beijing Chinese Orchestra—barely speaking English—to completing my Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies, and teaching at SOAS… I am truly grateful for this recognition and for the support of my family. I will continue to dedicate myself to the music I love — Chinese music.

London Youlan Qin Society 22nd Anniversary & 2025 London International Chinese Music Festival Press Release
2025-07-12 13:00 - 16:30 | SOAS, Uni. of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square London WC1H 0XG, , Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG
London Youlan Qin Society 22nd Anniversary & 2025 London International Chinese Music Festival Press Release

The Youlan Qin Society celebrated its 22nd anniversary on 13 July with a special Yaji gathering at SOAS University of London, marking this year’s World Guqin Day.
The event also served as the official launch of the 3rd London International Chinese Music Festival, which will take place from 25–30 August 2025.
Co-organised by China Arts UK, Youlan Qin Society, and the UK Chinese Music Ensemble, in collaboration with the Chinese National Orchestra Society and several academic institutions, this year’s festival will once again bring together leading Chinese and British musicians, scholars, and international guests to present a rich blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese music.
A Milestone for the Youlan Qin Society
Founded on 13 July 2003 — symbolically referencing the seven strings and thirteen markers of the guqin — Youlan Qin Society is Europe’s largest and most influential non-profit organisation dedicated to the guqin. Led by Dr Cheng Yu, guqin and pipa lecturer at SOAS, the society has held over 150 Yaji gatherings and 21 summer schools, with over 500 members and students from more than 20 countries.
The society has long been a bridge between East and West, not only promoting Chinese classical music but also exploring interdisciplinary connections with tea culture, calligraphy, meditation, and poetry. It has performed at renowned venues such as the British Museum and V&A Museum, and continues to serve as a vital platform for intercultural exchange.
Festival Highlights: Tradition Meets Innovation
The 2025 edition of the London International Chinese Music Festival will span London, Oxford, and Telford, featuring:

Five thematic concerts,
A multi-day Summer School of Chinese Music,
Graded exams and competitions in traditional Chinese instruments.

Key concerts include:

“Echoes of Nature” Gala Concert (27 August): spotlighting intangible cultural heritage such as kunqu opera, guqin, and silk and bamboo ensemble music.
“China-West Soundscape” Concert (29 August): premiering works by contemporary composers including Zhao Jiping’s Qing Yun, Li Xinyan’s Mountain Festivities, Lin Bingrui’s Sword Shadows, and Sun Keting’s Borderless.

Distinguished Artists and Diverse Curriculum
This year’s teaching faculty features:

Zhao Xinzhi (yangqin, Xi’an Conservatory of Music),
Lin Weili (guqin),
Li Xinyan (composer, USA),
Lin Bingrui (conductor, Australia),
among others.

Courses include pipa, guqin, guzheng, erhu, dizi, xiao, kunqu, percussion, as well as ensemble training, calligraphy, Go, and creative workshops — offering a comprehensive, immersive musical and cultural experience.
An Invitation to Join Us
The organisers view the festival as more than a performance series — it is a platform for dialogue between cultures, nurturing new talent, and promoting Chinese music on the global stage.
We warmly invite artists, students, enthusiasts, and the wider public to join us this summer in celebrating the beauty and depth of Chinese music and culture.
📍 Full programme and registration details available at:
👉 www.ukchinesemusic.org/london-international-chinese-music-festival-2025
