Page 21 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (105)

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Explore the world through Guzheng

带着古筝看世界

“That’s incredible! You’re introducing Chinese folk instantly inspired me. I thought, ‘Could I also bring my folk music and gain an appreciation for Chinese culture.”
music to the world!” “So beautiful! After watching your guzheng to the streets and perform?’” Afterwards, Peng set up a small box with a sign that
video, I was inspired to learn the guzheng.” Internet In the summer of 2018, Peng donned a long, white read “Chinese Guzheng” in large letters, accompanied by
users flooded the comments section with praise for Peng dress with Chinese elements and performed on the guzheng a brief introduction to the guzheng in both English and
Jingxuan’s videos. for the first time in the square in front of the Grand Théâtre French. She also enlisted the help of her friends to record
People are captivated by this Chinese girl, dressed in Bordeaux. “People were coming and going on the square, her street performances with their smartphones and share
in traditional Han clothing, as she passionately plays the and I felt a bit nervous before I began. However, once the the videos online.
guzheng (Chinese zither) on the streets of France. Peng music started, I concentrated on playing each piece well and Peng incorporates her innovative ideas about the
has amassed over 15 million fans on Chinese video and just enjoyed the performance.” guzheng into her street performances, exploring the
social media platforms, along with millions of followers After more than 40 minutes, Peng finished her diversity of styles within traditional Chinese music. The
on international social media. performance, and enthusiastic applause erupted around romance of Western melodies, the spontaneity of rap, and
“Art knows no borders. People from diverse cultural her. The positive response to her street debut exceeded the energy of anime music—all these elements, which
backgrounds can be touched by beautiful music. I believe her expectations. “When the performance concluded, may seem unrelated to the guzheng, come to life through
this is why many internet users, both at home and abroad, many people lingered, gathering around to ask about the her arrangements. “There are sections in rap music that
are drawn to my account,” said Peng. instrument, its origins, and the pieces I had played. This lack melody, so I create new parts to match the rhythm.
Peng has been studying the guzheng since her experience made me realize that performing the guzheng For heavy metal accents, I achieve this by tapping on the
childhood. In 2017, she traveled to France to study on the streets has an additional layer of value: it allows body of the guzheng,” Peng explained.
music theory. While there, she witnessed many artists ordinary people in other countries to experience Chinese The venues for her performances have expanded to
performing on the streets with instruments like the piano, include stops in Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
violin, clarinet, and even full bands. “One day, I came She has grown accustomed to carrying her guzheng and
across a small brass band sitting on the steps, playing speaker wherever she goes, always ready to perform on
to a gathering crowd. Some people were dancing to the the streets. Her goal is to share Chinese folk music with a
music, while others applauded and cheered. The vibrant wider audience and allow her fans to experience diverse
atmosphere of everyone enjoying the performance landscapes from around the world.