Traditional concert wows the audience
Artists Wang Ciheng (L, front) and Zhao Cong (R, front) perform during the "Xuanzang's Pilgrimage" concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in New Jersey, the United States, on January 29, 2019.
A concert by the China National Traditional Orchestra held in the northeast American state of New Jersey has enthralled thousands.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center was packed with Americans and overseas Chinese who braved chilly and rainy weather to appreciate “Xuanzang’s Pilgrimage.”
The piece features the legendary Chinese Monk Xuanzang’s journey along the Silk Road to obtain Buddhist scriptures in the 7th century.
Demonstrated by top performers of traditional Chinese musical instruments such as pipa, a pear-shaped fretted instrument, and huqin, the Chinese two-stringed fiddle, the symphonies brought to life the journey of Xuanzang through deserts and mountains, which took him 17 years.
“This is really exceptional,” said Carlos, who came with his wife and daughter from a neighboring city. “The instruments themselves are so unique, and their performances have shown a high level of professionalism.”
The ensemble also performed some classic Chinese pieces such as “A Night of Flowers and Moonlight by the Spring River” and xintianyou, a folk music style from northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.
The audience gave a standing ovation with loud cheers when the concert concluded, to which the musicians responded with two encores, including the jubilant “Blooming Flowers and Full Moon.”
The concert was sponsored by Image China, a cultural exchange program presented by the China Arts and Entertainment Group.
