Made in Shanghai," a monthly cultural program initiated in April, has succeeded in improving young people's understanding of traditional Chinese art forms.

On September 29, a special folk music show will be presented after the staging of Huju Opera, Huaiju Opera and "pingtan" (storytelling to music) over the past few months.

Young artists Luo Xiaoci and Qian Jun from the Shanghai National Music Orchestra will present poetic melodies that show the secret charms of "guzheng" (Chinese zither) and "dizi" (Chinese bamboo flute).

Both are among the most ancient of Chinese musical instruments used to accompany folk tunes.

Organizers reveal that Luo and Qian will perform in elegant traditional Chinese costumes while the stage will also be decorated in the ancient style with calligraphy and furniture.

They will perform from the classic repertoire such as "Flying Partridge" and "Night Thoughts."

In "Flying Partridge," a solo bamboo flute follows the flight of the bird, finally dropping an octave, as the bird flies off into the distance, its song still echoing in the air.

And "guzheng," whose large vibrating amplitude and rich low tones are perfect to depict the sounds of nature, conveys the nostalgic and melancholic mood in "Night Thoughts."

Date: September 29, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People's Ave
Tickets: 50, 80 yuan
Tel: 5258-3600 6372-8702

(Shanghai Daily September 20, 2007)