On April 13, a groundbreaking Guochao (also known as "China Chic") music concert kicked off at Dongmen Sishue Academy in Luohu, blending ancient Chinese traditional music with the vibrancy of modern youth culture. Titled "A Thousand-Year-Old Chinese Music Meets Youthful Dongmen," the event explored innovative ways of preserving and passing on traditional culture through interactive performances.
The concert showcased the debut of the Konghou, an ancient, multi-stringed, plucked instrument that originated along the Silk Road. It featured young performers, aged 6 to 12, who brought a fresh, contemporary twist to classic pieces. Highlights included performances of traditional masterpieces like "Qing Ping Diao" and "Sheng Sheng Man" on the Konghou, enhanced by the pure voices of the children. These ancient compositions were revived with new energy, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity. Popular modern songs, including "Ru Yuan (As Wished)" and "Qing Hua Ci (Blue-and-White Porcelain)," were also reinterpreted through the Konghou, showcasing how traditional instruments can bring new life to contemporary hits.
As part of Dongmen district’s cultural initiatives aimed at benefiting the community, the concert was free to attend and featured an interactive area where the public could try their hand at traditional instruments like the Konghou and Guzheng (Chinese zither). The performance represented a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a fresh, engaging way to introduce China’s rich cultural heritage to younger generations.