Following on from the success of their tour in 2013, the folk music ensemble returns to Australia.

The history of Chinese folk music is one of the longest unbroken musical lineages in the world, representing over three thousand years of tradition.  After their successful debut Australian tour last year, one of China’s most highly respected institutions specialising in folk music, the China Conservatory, will again be touring its orchestra to Australia as part of the 2014 Australia Chinese Cultural Festival.  

Concerts in November include performances at Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall in Tasmania and at the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. Both will play host to a program of music taking its roots from Chinese folk and operatic traditions, promising a fascinating journey through the whole history of this ancient art form. The Conservatory Orchestra, which also includes musicians playing western classical instruments such as Cello and Double Bass, is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished folk ensembles in China, so their tour is a rare and invaluable opportunity for Australian residents (including the nearly 1 million Chinese who call Australia home) to experience traditional Chinese music at its best.

Erhu virtuoso Song Fei

Under the direction of Maestro Kuan Naichung, the concert will also feature Erhu (sometimes referred to as the ‘Chinese violin’) virtuoso Song Fei and percussionist Wang Yidong. Fei is celebrated as one of China’s most accomplished exponents of traditional Chinese music, and while Erhu is her principal study she is proficient in no less than 12 other traditional Chinese instruments.

The China Conservatory Orchestra perform in Hobart Federation Concert Hall on November 23, and the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House November 27.