Taicang's Jiangnan Hao concert premieres at Shanghai theatre

The Jiangnan Hao concert, originating from Taicang, a county-level city in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, made its debut at the Young Theatre in Shanghai on April 15.

The concert, rooted in the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage of Chinese traditional stringed and woodwind music, featured 14 newly composed original Chinese-style songs. Notably, nine of these pieces drew inspiration from traditional folk music of Taicang.

Set against the backdrop of the prosperous Taicang during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the performance blended elements of Taicang's gardens, paintings from the Loudong art school, and the bustling scenes of the ancient southern docks. These elements were incorporated into the stage design, musicians' costumes, and dancers' movements, offering a panoramic view of life in Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River, during Ming times.

Jiangnan Hao strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, appealing to a younger audience. "This is different from the stringed and woodwind music I've heard before. The innovative approach to interpreting traditional music resonates more with younger people's aesthetics," commented an audience member.

The concert was a collaborative effort between Zi De Guqin Studio and the Taicang Cultural Center. Established in 2014, Zi De Guqin Studio bridges the gap between traditional and modern music, aiming to educate audiences about China's classical music culture.