Young musicians in Fujian learn folk music
China Daily 2023-03-16 14:32

The orchestra, from Huanxi town of Fuzhou, Fujian province, performs at JiuritaiConcert Hall in Fuzhou on March 5. [Photo by Zhang Xuyang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

On March 5, a folk concert held atJiuritai Concert Hall in Fuzhou, Fujian province, presented a musical feast to audiences, winning warm applause.


The orchestra performed 10 pieces of Chinese folk music under the baton of Nie Zhiyong, a well-known young conductor in Fujian.


Three years ago, the members of the orchestra — 34 students from the Central Primary School and Jieban Primary School in Huanxi town knew little about folk music.


During a visit to Xianghu village in Huanxi in early summer 2019, a group of musicians including Nie and Erhu (two-stringed bowed instrument) player Zhan Wenyi immersed themselves in the wonderful natural scenery.


Then they got an idea of setting up a folk orchestra in Huanxi, hoping to well combine the beautiful music and local natural landscapes.


In July 2019, 64 candidates from the two schools took an exam to seek the rare opportunity to learn folk music, following locally famous musicians.


From then on, orchestra members spent every Friday afternoon taking training courses at Central Primary School.