© The London Youlan Qin Society 2003-2010



Concert "The Elegant Orchid" 27 May, 2011



Introduction

This concert was organised by The Prince’s Charities Foundation (China), The British Museum, and the London Youlan Qin Society. It was a part of the Chinese Four Arts Summer School. The concert was performed by Li Xiangting with the String Quartet of the English Chamber Orchestra at the British Museum 27th May, 2011.

Programme

  1. Liu Shui 流水 (Flowing Water) from Shenqi Mipu 神奇秘谱 (Spiritual and Secret Score) 1425 AD: Guqin solo by Li Xiangting
  2. Gu Yuan 古怨Ancient Lament). Lyrics by Jiang Kui (1155-1221 AD): Guqin song by Li Xiangting
  3. Improvisation on a theme suggested by the audience: Guqin and xiao guqin and xiao by Li Xiangting and painting by Guo Le
    The audience was asked to suggest 4 possible themes. A vote was then taken to select the most popular. After much discussion, "A Shih-Tzu Dog" was overwhelmingly the most popular choice. Li Xiangting improvised on this topic on both the guqin and the xiao, while Guo Le painted it.
  4. Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme) from Shenqi Mipu 神奇秘谱: Guqin solo by Li Xiangting
  5. Yi Guren 忆故人 (Remembering an Old Friend) from the Liqin Xuan Qinpu 理琴軒琴譜: Guqin solo by Li Xiangting
  6. Jie Shi 碣石 Secluded Orchid in Jieshi Mode) (589 AD): Rearranged by Raymond Yiu for Guqin by Li Xiangting and the string quartet of The English Chamber Orchestra. This arrangement was especially commissioned for this occasion, and was well received by the audience.
  7. Jiu Kuang 酒狂 (Wine Drunkenness) from Shenqi Mipu 神奇秘谱: Guqin solo by Li Xiangting





The London Youlan Qin Society would like to express their gratitude to the Prince's Charities Foundation and the British Museum www.britishmuseum.org for funding and organising this concert.