Huayi 2025: What is Qin
Organised by: Esplanade – Theatres on the BayPerformed by: Zi De Guqin Studio (China)
Synopsis:
Ancient China comes to spectacular musical life as Zi De Guqin Studio makes their Singapore debut with What is Qin, after touring to multiple cities around China since 2020.
Featuring a visually arresting and sonically exciting narrative style, Zi De Guqin Studio's atmospheric "ancient painting music" concerts—a masterful fusion of the classical and the modern—have mesmerised and captured the hearts of many. A traditional Chinese painting come to life, the ensemble's young musicians present classical Chinese music pieces performed on traditional instruments—with the guqin as the star—while wearing classical Chinese costumes from various Chinese dynastic periods.
The ensemble presents their unique contemporary takes on traditional Chinese classical pieces such as Solitary Orchid, Breaking a Willow at the Yangguan, as well as a mesmerising rendition of their original piece Break Through.
Zi De Guqin Studio has garnered international recognition, and boasts millions of followers on social media who eagerly anticipate their unique music videos that have revitalised an interest in traditional Chinese instruments and culture among young and old alike. This is a perfect introduction to traditional Chinese music for the uninitiated, and a sophisticated and sumptuous reinvention of the familiar for long-time listeners.