Music is a universal language, cutting across the boundaries of syntax, grammar and misunderstandings. For the international students, it was time to experience traditional Chinese instruments and music. Fortunately, the magnificent new landmark of Zhuhai, the Opera House, was able to provide this amazing opportunity.
Having only recently been completed in December 2016, the outstanding shell-shaped building was designed with the intention of amplifying natural acoustics. It aims to draw both Western and Chinese performances to provide a wide range of culture and arts to the people of Zhuhai. At 90 and 60 meters tall, it’s very difficult to miss its striking shape.
On March 12th, a handful of international students stepped into the theatre to experience a key element to Chinese culture. After enjoying the stunning design of the Opera House, the lights dimmed, the people quietened and a beautifully haunting melody was heard on a single instrument; the guqin.
The guqin is a plucked seven-string traditional Chinese instrument. Having existed for over 5,000 years, it was important for the international students to become acquainted with its sound. Dressed in traditional clothing the musicians began to reveal its ancient sounds. There were solo performances and group performances, where there were several guqins, 7 at one point, being played. More traditional instruments accompanied the guqinincluding stringed instruments like the guzheng and pipa, ones made of metal, bianzhong, similar to bells and fangxiang, thin metal slabs which are suspended and of course a large dagu drum for the more dramatic moments. Many of the songs were also accompanied by singing, both male and female. The musicians were able to take the audience to the Ching Dynasty and back, as the music was rich in history and story telling.
After finishing, the musicians lined up and bowed with a roaring sea of clapping and cheering, which was well deserved. The sounds of the concert will not likely leave the minds of those who attended.
