Chinese New Year Concert with pianist Di Xiao
Last night I attended a Chinese New Year concert, in the Elgar Concert Hall, at the University of Birmingham.
The China Institute has helped position the University as one of the leading UK higher education institutions in China. However, its links with China are as much cultural as they are related to research and education, and this evening was a wonderful reminder of the university’s ability to attract and host such talented musicians and dancers to help welcome in the new lunar year.
At the heart of the concert was the internationally renowned Chinese Pianist Di Xiao. She is a consummate musician and displayed sheer mastery of the elegant concert grand piano on stage. Her music was a synthesis of western classical, tango and baroque with the distinctive tones and twangs of traditional Chinese music and opera. On her own website she describes herself as being “passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of music, creating innovative concert programmes that mix Western and Eastern musical fabrics”.
The weaving of western and eastern musical influences was certainly a theme of the evening. As well as being a wonderful pianist, Di Xiao is clearly a mentor and supporter of new talent. Much of the concert involved one of her protégés, MengYao Guo, accompanying Ziyang Huang on the ErHu, and Kang Yang, on the Guzheng.
Perhaps a little explainer is required at this point! The ErHu is a 2-stringed instrument played with a bow, commonly called a spike fiddle. The Guzheng is a multi-stringed instrument on a horizontal stand, with movable bridges beneath the strings. This was the first time I had heard either instrument played live and both have musical and tonal connections with (to my ear at least!) the violin and harp, respectively.
Both performers introduced their instruments before their recitals, demonstrating their versatility and ability to imitate sounds of nature as well as complex melodies. Their performances were mesmerising, evocative and fun. This wasn’t a stuffy concert where you must sit in silent respect. There was a lovely down to earth feel about it, with a great connection with the audience. Together with dancers from the UK China Performing Arts Society, and a performance by double bassist, YuHan Ma, the evening was a feast for the eyes and ears, and dazzlingly colourful.
The final piece involved all performers as an ensemble, including a very young ErHu player, Edmund Holt, who showed huge talent, potential and courage.
When I sat down at the start of the evening, I thought it was going to be an evening of piano recitals. In fact it was a celebration of Chinese and Western music and a showcase presentation of the versatility and modern application of traditional Chinese instruments in the hands of young, dynamic and creative artists.
I’d like to thank the China Institute at the University, for hosting this free event, to Di Xiao for inspiring me to explore new musical styles on the piano, and to her ensemble of musicians who exuded confidence, virtuosity and flair and who thoroughly entertained us all!
This article was written by Robbie Roberts, a wedding and events pianist.