Guqin musicians, enthusiasts enjoy 'SZ Rhyme'

Video and photos by Lin Jianping

Music enthusiasts gathered at the “Shenzhen Rhyme” guqin concert Saturday evening at the theater of the Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville in Pingshan District. This event was hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Pingshan District Committee, and co-organized by the Pingshan District Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the Shenzhen Nanyu Guqin Society.

Several guqin performers and intangible cultural heritage inheritors, including Li Pengpeng, Zhu Xi, Zeng Chengwei, Yang Qiong, Zeng He, Shi Yunlong and Chen Jianbo, together with woodwind musician Fan Rui, delivered a performance rich in traditional artistic charm. Each musical piece unfolded like an ancient painting, allowing the audience to envision mountains, plains and seas. The music expressed human emotions, resonating with the present.

Li Pengpeng during her performance Saturday.

Zhu Xi during his performance Saturday.

The artists showcased their talent in their smooth performances, reminiscent of drifting clouds and running water, revealing hidden beauty. The musical journey felt like a time travel through history. The ancient instrument was infused with new vitality, blending tradition with innovation, earning warm applause from the audience.

Li Pengpeng, who performed for Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron in Guangzhou last year, said, “The Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville is a place where you can relax. I think it’s wonderful to play the guqin close to the audience here.” Zeng He agreed, noting that performing the guqin in such a historically rich venue made him feel as though he were engaging in a dialogue with history.

Zeng Chengwei during his performance Saturday.

Yang Qiong during her performance Saturday.

The “Shenzhen Rhyme” guqin culture series also featured an event at the Pingshan Art Museum on Aug. 29. The musicians participated in an online talk with Cheng Yu, founder of the London Youlan Qin Society, and Yang Lining, founder of the Paris Ningxin Guqin Society, and then performed for nearly 100 guqin enthusiasts.

The musicians shared insights on promoting guqin culture and education abroad, preserving cultural heritage, and expanding its global influence. They expressed that the excellent traditional Chinese culture serves as a solid foundation in international cultural exchanges. It is essential to use this tradition to build bridges between China and the world, spreading Shenzhen’s melodious voice and showcasing the charm of China’s intangible heritage.

Zeng He during his performance Saturday.

The guqin events over the weekend explored domestic and international music, ancient and modern influences, collision and fusion, inheritance and innovation. Pingshan will continue hosting exciting activities to promote guqin culture and further the spread and development of cultural heritage, enriching Shenzhen's cultural landscape.