Founding of the London Youlan Qin Society

On August 12th, the European edition of the Hong Kong based newspaper Singtao Daily published the following article about the establishment of the London Youlan Qin Society, as well as a separate article about qin master Gong Yi.

English

Report by Wang Weiqiu

A group of Chinese and English aficianados of the art of the Chinese qin gathered in London and inaugurated the London Youlan Qin Society. Through the society, they hope to encourage contact and communication between people with the same interest, thus promoting qin culture.

The London Youlan Qin Society was launched on Sunday, July 13th. Chinese and English qin enthusiasts came from all over England to form the society. They elected Cheng Yu as the society president, and Julian Joseph as secretary. These two officers will lead the society in contacting other qin enthusiasts, the promotion of the art of the qin and the appreciation of qin culture among both Chinese and non-Chinese in England, thus enhancing their understanding of qin artistry. At the same time they will establish links to promote relations with qin societies overseas.

Cheng Yu said the society will hold regular meetings. This will give British qin enthusiasts an opportunity to meet, exchange views and compare notes. Furthermore, they will invite well-known players from all parts of the world to their meetings to give guidance in playing technique and share their experience.

She said that in the future the society would organise excursions to play qin music in places of scenic beauty, evoking the elegance of the past.

Currently, Gong Yi is president of the Shanghai Chinese Music Enthusiasts’ Association, vice-president of the China Qin Society, and is both a first class performer in and former director of the Shanghai Chinese Music Orchestra. He has been teaching the qin for more than 40 years. He has been invited abroad many times to teach and perform, and is one of the few qin masters with a reputation both inside and outside China.

Professor Li Xiangting teaches at the Central Conservatory of Chinese Music, and is vice president of the Beijing Guqin Research Association. In 1990-1995, he was invited in his capacity as a qin specialist to be a visiting scholar at Cambridge University and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at London University. He is acclaimed worldwide as a master of the qin. Besides qin, he is highly accomplished in calligraphy, ink painting and poetry.

Professor Li was invited to play the qin at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland. He was the only Chinese musician to perform there.

Cheng Yu, a distinguished pupil of Li Xiangting, invited him to the first meeting of the London Youlan Qin Society. Professor Li will do some calligraphy for the society, play music and explain some difficult points about the qin.

The meeting will be held on August 13th at 4:30 pm in Richmond, London. All qin players and people interested in the qin welcome to attend. Because it is to be held on a weekday and some people will be working and thus unable to get there at 4:30, it will extend into the evening. People can arrive at any time and may bring food and drink to share with everyone.

If you are interested in attending the meeting or in joining the society, please contact either Cheng Yu or Julian Joseph.

Chinese

Chinese text