- Peking Opera Tune: Nezha Ling
Adaptation: Bing Ai
Jinghu: Xin Zhang
Bangu: Tsai-Chien Lee
Suona: Zequan Li
Orchestra: Houston Chinese Traditional Music Group
Nezha Ling was originally a suona melody and later adapted for jinghu (Peking opera fiddle). It was incorporated into the performance of Xi Shi, where it served as the accompaniment for the scene of the beauty Xi Shi performing a feather dance at the imperial banquet. The sounds of gongs and drums fill the air, and the music of the night banquet foreshadows the grand plan of national restoration through patience and perseverance.
- Taiwan Folk Song Melody (No. 1): Peach Blossom Takes the Ferry
Adaptation: Changyao Zhu
Erhu: Swee Koh
Conduct: Xin Zhang
Orchestra: Houston Chinese Traditional Music Group
Peach Blossom Takes the Ferry is a traditional Taiwanese folk opera tune, which is popular among Taiwan, Guangdong, and other regions, known for its lively songs and dances that are joyful and playful. The music, played on the erhu, cleverly showcases the smart and lively character of Peach Blossom from the opera. The melody is part of the cultural heritage shared by both Hakka and Minnan ethnic groups.
Taiwan Folk Song Melody (No. 2): Ali Mountain
Adaptation: Changyao Zhu
Erhu: Jiping Qiu
Conduct: Xin Zhang
Orchestra: Houston Chinese Traditional Music Group
Ali Mountain is the only folk song that uses the melodies of the indigenous Gaoshan (High Mountain) people to depict the scenery and characters of the mountains. With the addition of instruments like the cymbals and small drums, it stands out in Taiwanese folk music. Carefully crafted by the erhu virtuoso Zhu Changyao erhu virtuoso Zhu Changyao erhu virtuoso Changyao Zhu, this piece embodies the idea of “high music that resonates with all,” and has long been regarded as a classic in the music world. - Paigu Solo: Dragon Boat Dance on the Drums
Compose: Yidong Wang
Paigu: Tsai-Chien Lee
Dragon Boat Dance on the Drums is a dynamic composition inspired by the lively spirit of dragon boat racing. The composition builds in intensity, capturing the excitement and energy of the dragon boat race with rhythmic variations, rapid beats, and bold rhythms. The use of different tempos and engaging patterns creates an immersive, vibrant experience that combines both sound and movement, offering the audience a captivating auditory and visual feast. - Guzheng Solo: Winter Crows Playing in Water
Guzheng: Yun Liu
This is a famous piece of Chaozhou music, and the most poetic piece in the Chaozhou string poetry suite Soft Set. The entire composition features a graceful and elegant melody with a fresh style and unique charm. Its bright, flowing rhythm vividly portrays the scene of crows leisurely swimming in the water, playfully chasing each other. - Erhu Ensemble: Endless Love
Compose: Jun-Young Choi
Erhu: Dongmei He, Jin Ma, Jiping Qiu, Yifan Chen, Swee Koh, Shide Zhang, Xin Zhang
Percussion: Tsai-Chien Lee, Yining Zhu
The theme song of the film The Myth captures a love that transcends time and space, remaining unbroken despite the changes in status and identity that life brings. The song beautifully encapsulates the epic story of two souls whose love endures through the ages—across different eras and even through lifetimes. This iconic piece is brought to life through a stunning arrangement of traditional instruments, with a special focus on the evocative sound of the erhu. - Quzheng Quartet: The White Snake Renewed
Compose: Hung-Yuan Tso
Adaptation: Yun Liu, Tsai-Chien Lee
Guzheng: Yun Liu, Hannah Jung, Iris Jiang, Celina Hwang
Percussion: Tsai-Chien Lee, Leo Jiang, Helen Ma
The Legend of the White Snake is one of China’s four great folk tales, telling the timeless and tragic love story between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. As a sequel to the Impression of White Snake performed at last year’s New Year Concert, this music piece, The White Snake Renewed, draws inspiration from the TV series’ iconic soundtrack, particularly the tracks Old Story of Qiantang and Merit Fulfilled. - Solo: Mei Lanfang
Compose: Xiaoping Wu
Lyrics: Pengchun Liu
Vocal: Xiaomei Yu
Conduct: Xin Zhang
Orchestra: Houston Chinese Traditional Music Group
Jingge, a genre combining traditional Peking Opera melodies with modern music, is often referred to as the “modern song with Peking Opera style and rhythm.” Mei Lanfang is a quintessential example of this genre, created to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Peking Opera master, Mei Lanfang. The song encapsulates the legendary life of Mei Lanfang, highlighting his iconic roles, exceptional Peking Opera skills, and his unwavering commitment to national pride and cultural integrity. - Chinese Folk Ensemble: Dance of the Golden Snake
Compose: Er Nie
Conduct: Xin Zhang
Orchestra: Houston Chinese Traditional Music Group
Dance of the Golden Snake is a vibrant national orchestral work composed by Er Nie in 1934, based on the folk instrumental piece Dao Ba Ban. The music follows a cyclical structure, with call-and-response phrases that gradually shorten in length, while the tempo accelerates. This, combined with the energetic use of percussion instruments such as gongs, drums, and cymbals, creates a rising sense of intensity that builds to a lively, festive climax. Since its creation, this piece has become a beloved classic in Chinese orchestral music.
