SW China musical ensemble sets new Guinness record

More than 2,000 people play the Chinese lute together in Jiuzhaigou County in southwest China's Sichuan Province, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest lute ensemble. [Photo/scol.com.cn]

More than 2,000 people played the Chinese lute, or "pipa", together in Jiuzhaigou County in southwest China's Sichuan Province Sunday night, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest lute ensemble.

The group of 2015 people, who played in the formation of the number 2015 at a local school playground, played a traditional Chinese tune. The performance lasted about 10 minutes.

Wu Xiaohong, a Guinness World Records notary, announced that the group had broken the world record after the performance.

"The event was held to celebrate [Sunday's] Mid-Autumn Festival, and to spread traditional culture," said Ze Jun, head of the organizer.

The pipa is one of the most ancient musical instruments in China, with a history of thousands of years.

In 2012, a 2,012-player group played the Chinese lute together in the city of Liaoyuan, known as the "home of lutes in China", in northeast China's Jilin Province, setting a Guinness record.