Strings of traditional music bind overseas audience

Chinese musicians tour the United States with performances of Chinese traditional music, as part of a culture exchange program. [Photo/China Daily]

"In that legend, Yu calls Zhong his zhi yin, or soul mate. We hope to share the beautiful ancient Chinese sounds with people, who are our zhi yin, around the world," Li says.

"Chinese language is well promoted by the Confucius Institutes globally. We want to make learning about traditional Chinese music a delightful and pleasant experience as well," Li says.

Li notes that when Chinese musicians playing traditional instruments travel abroad, they usually find themselves performing in concert halls or at big galas. With the Qin Tai project, shows and workshops will be held in public places, such as squares, parks and schools, which will enable the culture of Chinese instruments and music to move closer to the people.

In February this year, more than 20 children from Yan'an city, Shaanxi province, performed a yangko dance and a waist-drum dance for five days in Disneyland, Los Angeles, to celebrate Chinese New Year.

"It's quite challenging because those ancient instruments are being threatened by contemporary music. Foreign audiences rarely have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Chinese music. But we've been seeking various approaches to promote traditional Chinese music not just domestically but also internationally," says Xi Qiang, president of the China National Orchestra.

In 1997, the orchestra performed with the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall in the US.

In 2014, when US pop singer Katy Perry performed in China and visited the orchestra, more than 90 musicians performed the singer's hit, Roar, with traditional Chinese instruments.

"Those crossover performances enable traditional Chinese music to connect with today's audiences," Xi says.

"With the Qin Tai project, I believe the world will get to know more about our musical heritage."