Hong Kong’s guqin masters Lau Chor-wah and Sou Si-tai made a historic debut in Shanghai, captivating audiences with a mesmerizing guqin concert held at the renowned Shanghai Oriental Art Center on Sunday evening. This performance marked a significant milestone for both artists as they showcased their mastery of this esteemed instrument in a vibrant cultural hub.
Playing the guqin, an elegant ancient Chinese musical instrument featuring seven strings, was once regarded as an indispensable skill among the educated elites of ancient China. In recognition of its cultural significance, the instrument was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008, highlighting its enduring legacy and importance in Chinese history.
Guqin artists hailing from Hong Kong have been pivotal in preserving this rich musical tradition, breathing new life into the instrument by composing and performing innovative works that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The news of Lau and Sou’s groundbreaking performance in Shanghai sparked a wave of excitement among local guqin enthusiasts, leading to a swift sell-out of all tickets within a mere week, showcasing the community’s fervent support for this ancient art form.
In addition to her performance accolades, Sou holds the position of guqin instructor at the esteemed Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she educates the next generation of musicians. She is also actively involved in planning guqin cultural exhibitions and has showcased her talents through exchange performances across the United States, Japan, and various European nations.
Lau has dedicated over 30 years to studying the guqin under the tutelage of the revered master Tsar The-yun. Her extensive training has cultivated a unique artistic voice that combines purity and elegance with an engaging poetic narrative, captivating audiences wherever she performs.
The three guqins featured in the Shanghai concert are not only instruments but historical treasures, each with its own rich story. Among them is a remarkable piece named after Shi Kuang, a celebrated blind artist from the Spring and Autumn period (770 BC–476 BC), famed for his extraordinary hearing and exceptional guqin skills. This particular instrument, crafted during the Tang Dynasty (618 AD–907 AD), was previously housed in Hong Kong but is now a prized possession of the Juneyao Health Public Guqin Hall located in Shanghai’s bustling Pudong New Area.
**Interview with Guqin Master Lau Chor-wah about Their Historic Shanghai Concert**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Lau Chor-wah! Thank you for joining us. Your recent performance in Shanghai at the Oriental Art Center has been described as a historic moment. How did it feel to perform in such a vibrant cultural hub?
**Lau Chor-wah:** Thank you for having me! Performing in Shanghai was truly exhilarating. The energy from the audience was palpable, and it felt amazing to connect with fellow musicians and guqin enthusiasts in a city so rich in cultural history. It was a significant milestone for both Sou Si-tai and me.
**Interviewer:** The guqin has a deep-rooted history in Chinese culture, often tied to the educated elite. Can you share what the instrument means to you personally?
**Lau Chor-wah:** The guqin is more than just an instrument; it represents a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary expression. For me, playing the guqin is a way to honor those who came before us while also allowing me to express my own emotions and experiences. The music has a meditative quality that resonates deeply with me.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, and it’s wonderful to see such a renowned art form celebrated and preserved. As you know, the guqin was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. How do you see this recognition impacting the future of guqin music?
**Lau Chor-wah:** UNESCO’s recognition certainly brings a spotlight to the guqin, which helps to raise awareness and appreciation for this ancient art. I hope it inspires younger generations to engage with the instrument, ensuring its continued relevance in our rapidly changing world. It’s vital for the heritage of guqin music to thrive, and this acknowledgment reinforces that importance.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope the audience took away from your concert in Shanghai?
**Lau Chor-wah:** I hope they felt a connection to the music and the stories it conveys. The guqin has the power to evoke emotions that transcend words, and I want them to walk away with a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. My ultimate goal is to inspire more people to explore this beautiful instrument and its rich history.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lau Chor-wah, for sharing your insights with us, and we look forward to seeing more of your performances!
**Lau Chor-wah:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to talk with you, and I am excited to share more about guqin music in the future!