The festival comprises:

• A five-day summer school from 25 to 29 August (New percussion classes 27 to 29 August)
• Two days (optional) Chinese music grading exams/competition on 29 and 30 August
• A series of concerts in London, Telford and Oxford
• Guqin and Chinese Music yaji, 30 August 1:30pm, SOAS
• Masterclasses, workshops, and ensemble classes during the festival
• Calligraphy and Chinese chess (Go) Summer School - Monday 25 to Friday 29 August, SOAS

The five-day summer school features classes on the guqin (7-stringed zither), guzheng (21-stringed zither), pipa lute, erhu fiddle, dizi, xiao flutes and percussion music (27 to 29 August). 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 tuition, masterclasses, talks and workshops. It will be open to participants with little or no experience as well as to those at higher levels. An exciting new addition this year will be an energetic Chinese drumming and percussion class. Our tutors all have Masters’ or higher degrees in music and many years of teaching experience. At the end of the summer school all our students will have the opportunity to perform alongside some of our tutors. Students are encouraged to bring their own instruments. We do, however, have a limited number of instruments for hire or purchase and would encourage you to enquire regarding availability.

Concert Series
• 25 August @ 6pm: Concert and workshop at CulturalKind Chinese Community, Telford, TF3 3BB, Shropshire
• 27 August @ 7pm: ‘Echoes of Nature’ Gala Concert. BGLT, SOAS, Univeristy of London WC1H OXG.
• 28th August @ 7pm: Sound of Silk and Bamboo Concert, Oxford
• 29th August @ 7pm: China-West Soundscape, St. Marylebone Church, London NW1 5LT
• 30 August @ 7pm: Showcase Concert featuring student musicians, Djam Lecture Theatre (DLT), SOAS, London WC1H OXG

One of the highlights is our two contrasting London concerts Echo of Nature and China-West Soundscape. The former focuses on China’s traditional "intangible cultural heritage" (UNESCO), showcasing Kunqu Opera, Guqin, Sizhu Silk & Bamboo and Sixian Silk String music whilst the latter is a journey of Chinese-western musical exploration.

List of Musicians / Artists:

International Musicians / Artists
• Prof. Zhao Xinzhi (yangqin dulcimer master, Xi’an Conservatory China),
• Li Pengpeng (guqin master, Germany) – teaching advanced level guqin
• Ray Lin (composer/conductor, Australia)
• Chen Yi-Chuan (conductor/wind instruments player, (Royal College of Music)
• Prof. Li Xinyan (composer, Bard College Conservatory of Music, USA)

UK Musician / Artists
• Dr Cheng Yu – pipa lute and guqin player and festival director
• Yang Kang – guzheng and baritone
• Ji Mengdie – guzheng player
• Zhang Jiaqi – guqin and zhongruan player
• Jenny Zhao / Elaine Yu – guqin
• Huang Ziyang – erhu player Lu Zongpu – wind instruments (dizi, xiao flutes)
• Dennis Lee – xiao and xun wind instruments
• Michael Skelton – Chinese drumming/percussion classes
• Li Siqian – pianist Laure Chan – violinist
• Adrian Wang – violinist
• Musicians from the UK Chinese Music Ensemble and New Elements Music

Chinese Music Grading Exams and Competition
– 29 to 30 August SOAS, University of London, WC1H OXG

We offer students the opportunity to take a grading exam recognised in both China and the UK and to participate in a music competition. The grading is made possible through a partnership between China’s leading authority, China Nationality Orchestra Society (CNOS) and SOAS, University of London. Several participants achieved excellent results, and their grades were accepted and recognised by UK universities and schools.

Exams and competitions (divided into youth and adult groups) include all types of traditional Chinese instruments: guqin, guzheng, pipa, liuqin, yangqin, erhu, dizi, xiao, sheng, suona, hulusi, singing, drumming/percussion instruments and ensemble/group performances.

Masterclasses and Workshops

• Flute Workshop – Lu Zongpu / Dennis Lee
• Guzheng Workshop – Yang Kang / Ji Mengdie
• Beijing Opera Workshop – Wang Wei
• Guqin Zither Masterclass – Li Pengpeng / Zhang Jiaqi
• Yangqin Masterclass – Prof. Zhao Xinzhi
• Erhu Workshop – Prof. Chen Dacan / HuangZiyang

Supplementary classes
• Instrumental Ensemble Classes – Prof. Chen Dacan, Chen Yi-Chuan, Zhang Jiaqi and more.
• Calligraphy – Azalea Qin Lei
• Chinese Chess (Go) – Leisure activity.

Yaji Gathering – Guqin and Chinese Music (Free, open to public)
1:30-4pm 30 August, Djam Lecture Theatre (DLT), SOAS, London WC1H OXG

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

Download the exam and competition guidelines here.
Download the festival registration form here.

We reserve the right to adjust the schedule, venues and personnel due to unforeseen circumstances.