Traditional orchestra in tune with youth

The Xiamen Nanyue Orchestra performs in a local musical style. [Photo/Xinhua]

Founded in 1954, the orchestra is now the only official institute in the coastal city to present such a form of music.

The orchestra was received by Chairman Mao Zedong in 1957 when it was invited to perform in Beijing. It has also been invited to perform in many countries, including France, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Nanyin originated in Xiamen's neighboring city of Quanzhou, but the Nanyue Orchestra has its own style of singing and performing, said the orchestra's president, Yang Xueli.

Yang started to learn Nanyin in 1989. "Traditional performing techniques are now being added with our own style to make a more enjoyable presentation of the art," she said.