Cheng Yu

Echoes of Nature – Gala Concert at SOAS - The 3rd London International Chinese Music Festival
2025-08-27 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
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

Charity Dinner Appearance at London Chinatown for London Huayu Radio Fundraising
2025-07-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Chinatown, London
On July 5th, I was delighted to be invited to a special charity fundraising dinner held in the heart of London Chinatown, hosted by the North London Chinese Association in support of London Huayu Radio.
As the evening went on and conversations deepened, I was amazed to discover the calibre of my dinner companions:
Cllr Tim Mitchell, Lord Mayor of Westminster
Andrew Bailey, Council Officer of Ealing
John Craven, Property Entrepreneur
Peter Vautier, Founder of London Huayu Radio
Naturally, I took the opportunity to introduce our upcoming London International Chinese Music Festival this summer. To my astonishment, they all smiled and said, “We already know — look here. They handed me the beautifully printed programme booklet — and there it was: a full-page poster of our music festival already featured inside! What a delightful surprise and honour.
A heartfelt thank you to the North London Chinese Association and CIAC (Chinese Information and Advice Centre) for the warm invitation and support. And to London Huayu Radio, we wish you continued success in building a vibrant, multicultural voice for our communities.

Summer Solstice Celebration Performance at Charlton Park
2025-06-22 08:00 - 17:00
Date: Saturday, 22 June 2025Time: 13:00–16:00Venue: Charlton Park, Southeast LondonHosted by: GFMA RecordsSpecial Guest: Cllr David Gardener, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Dr Cheng Yu and members of the UK Chinese music community were delighted to perform once again at this year’s Summer Solstice Celebration in Charlton Park. The event opened with a warm welcome from Deputy Mayor David Gardener of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Celebrating cultural harmony and musical storytelling, the concert featured live performances on traditional Chinese instruments including the pipa (琵琶), dizi (笛子), and xiao (箫), blending Eastern sounds into a vibrant local festival atmosphere. A heartfelt thanks to GFMA Records for hosting this wonderful community event.

Lutes of the Silk Road – Concert and Workshop
2025-05-10 08:00 - 17:00
Lutes of the Silk Road – Concert and Workshop
Following the success of the Lutes of the Silk Road project funded by the Arts Council England in July 2024 — which included workshops and a concert at the BGL Theatre, SOAS, University of London — the ensemble has been invited by the Lute Society to present a special talk and concert.
Initiated and led by Professor Cheng Yu, this cross-cultural project brings together musicians from China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing both traditional and improvised music on a variety of lutes and string instruments.
Performers:Cheng Yu – PipaShohret Nur – Uyghur RawapSabine Masters – Kazakh DombraAhmet Ozan Baysal – Turkish Bağlama (Saz)Rihab Azar – Syrian OudPouyan Biglar – Turkish Bağlama (Saz)Elizabeth Nott – PercussionAntonio Romero – PercussionTommy Khosla – Sitar (tbc)
For details and tickets, please visit: lutesociety.org

Residence for new composition and workshop - with Southampton University
2025-04-28 - 2025-05-01 | Southampton University, Southampton University, University Rd, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
Cheng Yu has been invited by Prof. Matthew Shlomowitz in composition Dept in Southampton University to give workshops and working with composer
PhD student Mr Linhao Li, to create a new composition for 5-stringed pipa, flute, clarinet, violin, cello as well as percussion instruments. This new piece will be performed and recorded on the 1st of May in the University.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Film with Orchestra - Royal Albert Hall
2025-04-25 19:30 | Royal Albert Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AP
Cheng Yu is honoured to have been invited to perform as pípá soloist at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, alongside the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Symphony Orchestra, for a special live screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Conducted by Maestro Anthony Gabriele, this performance marked the European premiere of the Film in Concert edition of this beloved classic.
This remarkable evening celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ang Lee’s multi-Oscar-winning film, with an unforgettable live rendition of Tan Dun’s Academy Award®-winning score – including mesmerising solos on the pípá and cello.
The evening also included a sold-out solo recital by Cheng Yu at the Prince of Wales Room, showcasing the expressive beauty of the Chinese pípá (lute) before the main concert.
For event details and ticketing information, visit:www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon
Photos from the EventBelow are a few highlights from this special evening at the Royal Albert Hall.

https://chengyumusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cheng-YuJade程玉🎶-2025-04-04-20.41.40.mp4

“Epic China” recording project for West One Music
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-05 | SLM Studio, SLM Studio, Surbiton, KT6 5EY
We are excited to recording an album on the Chinese instruments – pipa, guzheng, dizi and xiao flute, Suona shawm as well as erhu fiddle and zhongruan lute with the western orchestra at the SLM studio.

East Meet West Concert
2025-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 | St John the Baptist Church, St John the Baptist Church, Holland Road, London, W14 8AH, United Kingdom
Look forward to performing this exciting concert with talented musicians from “New Elements Music” and new works of composers internally next Friday. We have performed a sold-out concert “Silk Road Music” at the RAM’ Duke’s Hall in February this year (see photos). Hope to see you there.

The concert showcases newly commissioned works combining Eastern and Western music and instruments in creative ways and arrangements. The concerts featuring new compositions including:
Lotus Picking 采莲(UK Premiere) – by Prof. Xinyan Li (Bard Conservatory of Music, USA)
For Dizi flute, pipa lute, cello, erhu fiddle and Piano
Slowboat Prelude 缓舟序幕 (UK Premiere) – by Nicholas Ng (Sydney consecratory, Australia).
For the mix Chinese and Western ensemble.
Springtime Processional 春日盛典 (World Premiere) – by Logan Settle Rashard (Bard Conservatory of Music, USA). For Dizi, pipa and Cello.
Rainforest Morning 雨林清晨 (World Premiere) – by Sijia Zhang (UK, Royal College of Music). For dizi, erhu, cello and piano.
