Concert whistles legacy of ancient instrument

Bamboo flutist Liu Songtao held a concert on July 12 at Zhejiang Concert Hall in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, showcasing a blend of classical and contemporary compositions. Throughout the performance, he demonstrated the versatility of the flute by performing solo pieces, collaborating with fellow musicians and joining forces with the orchestra.

After graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Liu was trained by veteran Chinese musicians, including Zhan Yongming and Jiang Guoji. He has won national music awards and performed with the Zhejiang Chinese Orchestra.

One of the concert's highlights saw the musician playing the classical piece Youlan Fengchun (Silent Orchid Greeting the Spring) composed in 1979 by Zhao Songting and Cao Xing. Zhao was the teacher of Zhan and Jiang. As a third-generation flutist, Liu displays the legacy of the ancient Chinese musical instrument passed down by generations of musicians.

Founded in 1957, the Zhejiang Chinese Orchestra, part of Zhejiang Song & Dance Theatre, has a large repertoire of traditional Chinese music works. During the past few years, the orchestra has promoted young musicians through the project Xin Song, which supports young musicians with opportunities to perform as soloists. Liu is among the young musicians selected from the project.