Concert captures the spirit of calligraphy

Musicians from the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra will exhibit the aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy not by brush but traditional Chinese music at Shanghai Symphony Hall on Saturday night.

Themed “Spirit of Chinese calligraphy,” the concert is expected to help audiences understand traditional Chinese calligraphy, aesthetics and the lifestyle of ancient Chinese scholars through eight pieces of contemporary music played on traditional Chinese instruments.

“White space, inner energy and artistic concept with Chinese flavor are important features of not only traditional Chinese music, but also Chinese calligraphy, poems and brush painting. That provides a perfect ground for a cross-over presentation of what we are trying to create,” said Luo Xiaoci, the orchestra's president.

All the pieces to be played were created by composers interested in traditional Chinese culture, including “Xiaxin Feibai” (Pipa & ensemble: Blank in Brush Writing) by German composer Robert Zollitsch, better-known as “Laoluo” in China.

“Feibai” is a style of calligraphy characterized by hollow strokes created by calligraphist Caiyong in the Han Dynasty (206-220 BC). The hollow strokes in the calligraphy often give an impression of chivalrous movement, which serves inspiration for the works.

There will also be pieces featuring “kuangcao” (wild scribble) style calligraphy, Chinese landscape painting and painting of bamboo and rock by Zheng Banqiao in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

“I personally adore Chinese calligraphy and paintings, and I hope that our music can help relive the treasures in a way and help it approach more young people today.”

Date: September 29, 7:15pm

Venue: Shanghai Symphony Hall

Address: 1380 Fuxing Rd.M

Tickets: 50-380 yuan

Tel: 6283-5288