LCSD launches free online programme “Heartstrings of the Guzheng”

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (January 28) launched a free online music and video programme, "Heartstrings of the Guzheng", produced by guzheng performer Wan Xing. This four-episode programme, invites audiences to appreciate guzheng music while experiencing the aesthetic mood of Oriental simplicity, nature and elegance. The first episode is now available at the department's Edutainment Channel.
 
     In addition to bringing the audience four pieces of original guzheng music, Wan has also invited lifestyle aesthetician Shadow Kwan, visual artist Qiu Yangzi and calligraphy artist Cink Shan (Lai Yat-kiu) for collaboration. By combining guzheng music with ceramic art, garden art, black-and-white film photography and calligraphy art, the audiences are guided to learn more about the music pieces and the artists' creative inspiration.
 
     The content of each episode is outlined below:
 
Episode 1: Vitality (conducted in Cantonese) (available online)
Inspired by "Lotus" pottery, a guzheng music piece is created that is clear as water.
 
Episode 2: Anticipation (conducted in Cantonese)
Leading the audience from the past to present, as if strolling through landscape scroll paintings, reflecting the gentle simplicity of guzheng music and garden art.
 
Episode 3: Soundscape (conducted in Putonghua)
Integrating guzheng music into black-and-white landscape photos, presenting a minimalist and back-to-nature artistic conception.
 
Episode 4: Traces (conducted in Cantonese)
Using multimedia digital video design to integrate the musician and guzheng into Chinese calligraphy, with additional electronic sound effects to enrich the tone and aura of the guzheng.
 
     A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts under the tutelage of guzheng performers Zhou Wang and Xu Lingzi, Wan has received numerous awards including the Best Performance Award 2002 at the First Chinese Folk Instruments Competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, the Gold Award (Young Performers Category) at the Second International Guzheng Competition 2011, and the Best Teacher Award 2013 at the Third International Zheng Contest. Wan has been engaged in various music performances and activities, and has also been invited to conduct demonstrations at local universities.
 
     Each episode of the free online programme "Heartstrings of the Guzheng" is approximately 10 minutes long. To watch the first episode, please visit the LCSD's Edutainment Channel at www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/performing_arts/page_640.html. For programme enquiries or more information, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1274.html.