On 2 February 2023, UK Chinese Music (UKCM) had the honour of being invited to take part in the “Chinese-Western Dialogue” Concert at the Royal Academy of Music. Organised by the Sino-British Concert, the event brought together several music ensembles and soloists from both China and the UK, aiming to showcase innovative collaborations between traditional and Western instruments and highlight the artistic charm of multicultural exchange.
His Excellency Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UK, and his wife attended the concert in person. Together with the audience, they enjoyed a splendid evening of Sino-Western fusion music, enhanced by polished performances and a lively, interactive atmosphere, offering a unique cross-cultural experience.
In addition to performing a Chinese folk music ensemble, UKCM collaborated with the London Lute Band on a newly arranged piece entitled The Rhythm of the Silk Road. This work blends instruments such as the Chinese pipa, the Indian sitar, the Syrian oud, and the Western theorbo, vividly illustrating the rich historical context of cultural exchange along the Silk Road and its contemporary resonance of harmony and inclusivity.
A highlight of the evening was the UK premiere of the short version of “Shadow of Sward”, an original composition by the emerging young composer Ray Lin for renowned pipa virtuoso Cheng Yu. Performed by a five-string pipa and a string quartet, the piece intertwines traditional and modern musical elements, revealing the expressive potential and artistic allure of the Chinese pipa. The performance received rapturous applause and high praise from the audience.
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http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0206/c90000-20273326.html
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202502/05/WS67a2af03a310a2ab06eaa1c2.html
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Sandra Jones
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