The festival will feature China’s master musician, Prof. Zhao Xinzhi, US guqin scholar Prof. Yip Mingmei, young Australian composer/conductor Ray Lin, as well as renowned UK virtuoso Dr Cheng Yu (pipa lutes) and talented young musicians Chia-yin Hung (pipa/ruan lutes), Lu Zongpu (dizi/xiao flutes), Yang Kang and Ji Mengdie (guzheng zither), Zhang Jiaqi (guqin zither), Huang Ziyang (erhu), Beijing Opera artist Wang Wei and more.

International Musicians/artists

Zhao Xinzhi (yangqin dulcimer, China),
Yip Mingmei (guqin, USA) Rey Lin (Composer/conductor, Australia)
Chen Yiquan (conductor/wind instruments, Taiwan, China)

UK Musician / Artists

Guqin Advanced/intermediate classes – taught by Jiaqi Zhang
Guqin Beginners – taught by Jenny Zhao
Pipa – taught by Chia-yin Hong/Cheng Yu
Guzheng – taught by Yang Kang/Ji Mengdie
Erhu – taught by Huang Ziyang
Wind instruments (dizi, xiao flutes) – taught by Lu Zongpu
Percussion classes – (tbc)

Supplementary Classes

Instrumental Ensemble classes: Prof. Chen Dacan, Zhang Jiaqi and others.
Calligraphy: Qin Lei, Weiqi
Chinese Chess (Go) – during leisure periods 

Summer School

Dates: Monday 25 to Friday 29 August,SOAS

The 5-full days’ summer school will comprise classes on the guqin (7-stringed zither), guzheng (21-stringed zither), pipa lute, erhu fiddle, dizi and xiao flutes. This will be a rare opportunity for anyone in the UK and overseas interested in learning and understanding more about traditional Chinese music and instruments. The summer school will combine group classes, one-to-one sessions, masterclasses, talks and demonstrations. It will be open to participants with little or no experience as well as to those at higher levels.
All our tutors have Masters or higher degrees in music on their perspective instruments in both China and the UK, and many years of teaching experience. At the end of the summer school, participants will have opportunities to give a demonstration and/or performance.

Masterclasses and Workshops

Guqin zither masterclass – by Prof. Yip Mingmei
Guzheng masterclass – by Prof, Zhao Xinzhi
Beijing Opera masterclass – by Wang Wei
Workshops on guzheng, pipa and wind instruments (time tbc.)

Concert Series
1) 1-2pm, 28 August Lunchtime Concert (St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, London WC2E)
2) 7.30pm 29 August – Gala concert, BGLT, SOAS.
3) 7pm, 27 August – East meet West concert (tbc.)
4)7pm, 30 August – Showcase Concert, Djam Lecture Theatre (DLT), SOAS

Qin Music Yaji Gathering – 1.30-4pm 30th Aug, (SOAS, tbc.)

A special yaji to celebrate Chinese Tea and Music.
The yaji will provide all Festival participants with a chance to interact, share experiences and perform in an informal and relaxed setting.

Chinese Music Grading Exams and Competition

29 to 30 August – SOAS
Venue: SOAS, University of London, WC1H OXG

With a two-in-one certificate recognised in China and the UK, and a competition prize/participation certificate. We launched this new aspect successfully at our 2023 festival and carried out grading exams on various Chinese instruments, in partnership with SOAS and China’s leading authority in music grading, the China Nationality Orchestra Society (CNOS). Several participants achieved excellent results and their grades were accepted and recognised by UK universities and schools. 
The exams provide formal grading certificates recognised by both China and the UK. This is especially good for young learners as the grades are recognised by mainstream UK schools. Competition winners will have the opportunity to perform in one of the Festival’s London concerts. Exams and competitions (divided into youth and adult groups) include all types of traditional Chinese instruments: guqin, guzheng, pipa, liuqin, yangqin, zhongruan, erhu, dizi, xiao, sheng, suona, hulusi, singing and ensemble/group performances.  

Download the exam and competition guidelines here.