Lifestyle
Notes to Touch Hearts
Chinese music and instruments wow NYC
By Zhao Wei  ·  2017-08-16  ·   Source: | Web Exclusive

The Asian Cultural Symphony of the USA gives a free performance at Bryant Park, New York City, on August 11 (ZHAO WEI)

When Guo Yazhi played his famous solo, Song of the Phoenix, reproducing the sound of hundreds of birds singing on his suona, a double-reeded horn, the nearly 1,000-strong audience in New York City's lush green Bryant Park fell into reverential silence, coming under the spell of the Chinese musician and his magical instrument.

The solo was part of a free concert on the evening of August 11, when over 60 musicians from the Asian Cultural Symphony of the USA gathered at the park.

Every summer, the Bryant Park Corporation hosts a series of cultural programs for the public. This time, the Asian Cultural Symphony, the only orchestra representing the Chinese culture, presented the charms of traditional Chinese music with musicians from China and the U.S. playing 12 items, including symphonies, folk music and folk songs.

Deputy Consul General Zhang Meifang of the Chinese Consulate General in New York was delighted to be on the spot.

"It was a very meaningful concert," Zhang said. "It brought Chinese music to the people for their enjoyment. Also, large public performances are one of best ways of cultural exchange between China and the United States. Artists can bridge the distance between the people of the two countries through their wonderful music."

Bryant Park is one of New York's popular public areas, thriving in the open and active cultural atmosphere that is heightened by the presence of the nearby New York Public Library. In summer, there are free performances by top musicians on makeshift stages and for parents, this is the best way to sharpen their kids' ear for music.

A 7-year old Chinese girl, whose parents wanted her to be identified by only her first name Vivian, was attracted by another Chinese instrument, the pipa—the four-stringed Chinese lute. She found Ma Lin, who played the pipa on the stage, beautiful and elegant.

"This is a good opportunity to let our American friends [experience] the beauty of Chinese music and Chinese musical instruments," said Ma, often described as one of the top 10 pipa players in China. "As Bryant Part is one of the cultural hubs of New York City, which itself is among the artistic centers in the world, I am honored to perform here."

Lu Meixu, the principal cellist of Asian Cultural Symphony, was proud to play Chinese music in Bryant Park for the first time. "It is an honor to acquaint Americans with Chinese music and Chinese instruments in the heartland of New York," Lu said. "I think it is a beginning, we will bring more Chinese music."

(Reporting from New York City)

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