Celebrated Chinese instrumentalist Wang Hua, recognized for his mastery of the bamboo flute and xiao (vertical bamboo flute), mesmerized audiences at the Beijing Concert Hall on May 24. Collaborating with esteemed Chinese musicians like singer Gong Linna, sheng (mouth-blown free reed instrument) player Nie Yunlei, and the Chinese Film Symphony Orchestra, Wang delivered a captivating performance.
The concert featured a lineup of talented Chinese musicians, including ruan (Chinese plucked instrument) player Li Yuhan, guzheng (plucked zither) player Gao Yanan, and pianist Zhang Shiyue, presenting classic Chinese music pieces. Among the highlights were the bamboo flute concerto Qinchuan Qing (Love for Qinchuan), showcasing the spirit of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, and Guanshanyue Capriccio for bamboo flute and piano, inspired by the Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai's work Guanshanyue (The Moon over the Mountain Pass).
Wang and Gong, longtime collaborators, enchanted the audience with a song titled Walking the Path of Life, composed by German musician Robert Zollitsch. Gong praised Wang's talent and expressiveness, emphasizing their fruitful 20-year musical partnership.
Having started playing the bamboo flute at the age of 10, Wang's musical journey led him to the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in Hubei province and later to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Over the years, Wang has performed with prestigious Chinese symphony orchestras like the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the China National Symphony Orchestra, in addition to recording soundtracks for films such as Legend of the Demon Cat and Creation of The God: Kingdom of Storms.
Reflecting on his musical influences, Wang said: "Though I specialize in traditional Chinese instruments, I draw inspiration from diverse music genres by collaborating with a wide range of musicians. I am thrilled to share my musical vision with the audience through this concert."
As a dedicated teacher at the China Conservatory of Music, Wang is committed to modernizing ancient Chinese instruments and fostering a contemporary understanding of their rich heritage.
