Old is gold

Photo provided to China Daily

The orchestra's shows help to present the museum's archaeological exhibits in an artistic way and audiences are made to understand history through music, he adds.

During the two shows that the orchestra holds at the museum daily, its members endeavor to make their music travel wide so as to enhance people's knowledge of traditional Chinese culture.

"We cannot change at will the musical instruments or costumes to better adapt to today's audience," Huo says. "Each adjustment requires academic research that takes a long time. That's why our shows take years to prepare."

Mu Wenjun, 33, has performed in the orchestra since its founding. Although she already played several traditional Chinese musical instruments before she joined the group, Mu describes her early days with the orchestra as "meticulous".

"There were no textbooks to teach us how to play these instruments, they demand different techniques," she says. "We had to learn by ourselves, through trial and error."

The Huaxia Ancient Music Orchestra doesn't have a conductor onstage, because in the older days, no performer was allowed to turn his back on the emperor. However, rhythmic drumbeats throughout the show help to coordinate different parts of the ensemble.

The members' marvelous costumes, their musical instruments and the rituals during performances are all based on research in Henan.