The Pipa and Plucked String Ensemble of the UK Chinese Music Ensemble was honoured to perform at the 76th Anniversary Celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, held in London and hosted by the UK Chinese community.
UKCM Ensemble at the 76th National Day Celebration
On the occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, the Pipa and Plucked String Ensemble of the UK Chinese Music Ensemble took part in a festive celebration organised by the Chinese community in the UK. The event gathered overseas Chinese, local residents, and friends of China to mark this important occasion with music, culture, and unity.
The ensemble presented a newly arranged three-part version of the piece Joyful Days, which was performed entirely from memory after an intensive period of preparation. The performance was warmly received, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere and highlighting the ensemble’s artistry, discipline, and commitment to musical excellence.
This appearance reflects the UK Chinese Music Ensemble’s ongoing mission to promote Chinese traditional music and strengthen cultural exchange within the UK and beyond.
East-West Soundscape
On 29 August, the East-West Soundscape concert took place at St Marylebone Church, marking the artistic high point of the festival.
The evening opened with the London Youlan Qin Society’s unique rendition of the Scottish folk song Skye Boat Song, featuring the ancient Chinese guqin paired with the church’s grand organ — a historic fusion of two of the world’s oldest instruments.
The concert continued with contemporary works, including Zhao Jiping’s Qingyun for guqin and string quartet, Ray Lin’s Sword Shadows for string quartet, Keting Sun’s Borderless for string octet, Linhao Li’s Time-Space Fold, and Xin-Yan Li’s Miao Village Carnival.
