Orchestra prepares for Chinese classical concert

Composer Wang Danhong's works will stage at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Nov 30. Photo provided to China Daily

The China National Orchestra will present a concert featuring resident composer Wang Danhong's works at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Nov 30.

The program includes Wang's representative works such as Lingnan on Strings for erhu and orchestra, Fantasy from the Concerto for yangqin, and Clouds and Flowers for pipa and orchestra. All of the pieces feature either one particular traditional Chinese instrument or a complete orchestra composed of Chinese instruments.

Wang, 33, studied composing at the China Conservatory of Music for four years and then received master's and doctoral degrees of composing from the China Central Conservatory of Music. Then she joined the China National Orchestra in 2010. Since the orchestra is composed entirely of Chinese instruments, she devoted herself to writing music for these instruments.

In 2012, she stayed in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region for half a year to collect folk music such as the 12 muqam.

"Wang really has the passion for traditional Chinese instruments," says conductor Liu Sha, who will lead the orchestra at the concert.

"Most of the music played on the traditional Chinese instruments was created by the older generation of musicians. In a time when Western classical and pop music are more trendy, young composers usually turn to write that kind of music.

"I would like to represent all the traditional instrumentalists to thank Wang for her devotion."

Pipa player Zhao Cong observes that Wang's music combines feminine delicacy and strength. "You cannot imagine how such a young and tiny woman could write such powerful music," says Zhao, who will play Clouds and Flowers at the concert.

If you go

7:30 pm Nov 30, National Center for the Performing Arts, west of Tian'anmen Square, 010-6655-0000.

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