ARTS / MUSIC
Chinese singing show wins over young audiences with traditional culture treasures, creative elements: cultural experts
Published: Aug 11, 2024 10:07 PM
Zhao Cong Photo: Courtesy of CMG

Zhao Cong Photo: Courtesy of CMG


 
A Chinese singing show has gained the attention of both audiences and cultural experts by presenting China's traditional culture in ways fitting with the tastes of young audiences, said cultural experts including Zhao Cong, director of the China National Traditional Orchestra; Yin Xiaodong, dean of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Opera; Peng Feng, dean of the School of Arts of Peking University; and Tian Qing, honorary director of the Music Research Institute of the China National Academy of Arts; at a seminar for the show. 

The show, Guofeng Chaoyouxi, or the National Style Super Dramatic, produced by the Chinese Media Group, aims to promote China's original music with musicians including Wang Peiyu, He Saifei and Yang Yu. The program uses digital art and tradition mixed with technology to create a multi-scenario, full-scale live, immersive drama stage.

The program brings together nearly a hundred musicians specializing in Guofeng, or National Style, which combines traditional Chinese music with contemporary tunes. The musicians, with China's excellent traditional culture as the background, highlight the contemporary style of Guofeng music, opening up a new field for innovative expression in cultural programs.

Zhao Cong, director of the China National Traditional Orchestra, said that the show has innovated in a way that can retain fans of traditional opera while also gaining the attention of young audiences. It has also "fascinated" the hearts of international audiences, connecting tradition and modernity, tradition and internationality, tradition and the future.

In the eyes of Tian Qing, honorary director of the Music Research Institute of the China National Academy of Arts, the show has carved a new path for the innovative transformation of traditional culture through integration, breakthroughs, and innovation. On the one hand, it actively reaches out to traditional culture for nutrition, and on the other hand it reaches out to young people. 

"Through their innovation and enthusiasm, we can keep pace with the times. This road is worthy of everyone's continued efforts," said Tian. 

The renowned Yu Opera artist Xiao Xiangyu added that feelings toward family and country have inspired her as the concept of "the stage is bigger than the sky and love is boundless" conveyed by the program coincides with the original intention of the program to inherit traditional culture.