The Art Troupe of Renmin University in China will give a performance of traditional Chinese music from 3:30 to 5:00 pm on November 6th in the atrium of the CASL building. This will be the first time for the University of Michigan-Dearborn to host a music group from China.
As the largest university affiliated Art Troupe in China, the troupe has conducted numerous performances, including one at the Chinese Grand National Theater in 2008. Besides performing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the troupe will also perform at the opening ceremony of Confucius Institute of University of Michigan during its visit to United States.
A detailed description of each music piece to be performed on November 6th is provided below (or click here for the descriptions written in Chinese). For more information, please contact Jennifer Zhao.
Introduction to the Art Troupe of Renmin University of China
The Art Troupe of Renmin University of China consists of publicity department, performance department and seven subdivisions, including Chinese orchestra, symphony orchestra, dancing troupe, chorus, drama troupe, keyboard band and Peking opera group. More than 400 members of the art troupe are music lovers from different departments in the University and students specializing in art.
The Art Troupe gives regular performances of different kinds, including symphony, Chinese traditional music, percussion music, chorus, dance, drama and popular music. All students can enjoy and learn the essence of art without paying, and thus improving their ability to appreciate arts. Meanwhile, it contributes a lot to art education and popularity in universities.
As the two biggest bands of all domestic universities, Youth Chinese Orchestra of Renmin University and Youth Symphony Orchestra of Renmin University conducted special performances respectively in Grand National Theatre in 2008, which were the hot issues in the society.
Youth Chinese Orchestra of Renmin University of China
Youth Chinese Orchestra of Renmin University of China has 85 members from different non-art departments of the University. While completing their major study, the students make use of their spare time to practice, to rehearse and give performances. Since the founding of the Orchestra, it has been doing its best to popularize traditional music and hold regular concerts. Students can enjoy traditional music on campus. Members of the Orchestra always give lectures to students on how to enjoy traditional music. They also open classes for other students who want to learn to play musical instruments, thus training more and more students who later became members of the orchestra. Now more and more students like traditional music and the Orchestra has enhanced the ability of them. In February 2009, the Orchestra won the first prize of musical instruments group at the 2nd National Arts Exposition & Performance for University Students in Nanjing.
Introduction to Musical Compositions
1. Ensemble: Good News Flies from Beijing to Village
It vividly describes a scene that the villagers in Southwest China celebrate, sing and dance when they hear good news from Beijing. The melody of this piece of music is ebullient in a saltatorial way, showing national characteristics. This composition was revised in 1976.
2. Dance of Yao Nationality
It shows how people of Yao nationality celebrate their traditional festival. When night falls, people with fascinating clothes play the drums and dance together. Attracted by graceful dance of the young girls, a young man joins them. In such way, many couples dream of the better days to come. This piece of music is soft and smooth, working up to a climax as it draws to a close.
3. Boating Race
Also named Dragon Boat Competition, is Guangdong folk music. Brisk and frisk, energetic and buoyant, it shows a sight that people compete in a boating race - a special event in Dragon Boat Festival. This composition expresses Chinese people’s bravery, vitality and diligence.
4. Flute and the Band: A Journey to Suzhou
With Kunqu style (the opera originated from Jiangsu province), this piece of music is graceful and elegant. It shows the beautiful landscape of Suzhou and the pleasure of tourists. The peaceful opening part, the lyric andante and the passionate allegretto describe an alluring picture: limpid stream trickles under the small bridge, bamboos joggles between pavilions in light mist. The theme of the music is reiterated at the end, highlighting its grace and elegance.
5. Unison of Erhu: The Rush of Hundreds of War Horses
This composition, with superior difficulty to play, portrays a battle scene where thousands of horses run in the smoke floated over the battlefield. This composition ends in the whinny of all horses and depicts a spectacular scene that all soldiers sing a song of victory.
6. Pipa solo: Dance of Yi Nationality
With smooth and expressive melody, together with bright and vigorous tempo, this piece depicts the beautiful night in Yi village where people dance and sing happily. As a classic Pipa work, it is contemporary and has strong national characteristics.
Ensembles: Pure Happiness of Kids
This piece shows children’s great happiness when they are playing, expressing a sense of innocence. It has three parts: the first part is rhythmical, depicting a frolic scene; the second part is slightly dolorous, showing the recall of their nice childhood; and the third part is a repetition of the theme.
Taiwan Tune
Taiwan, as an indispensable part of China, represents deep affection between people from both sides of Taiwan Strait. The composer of this piece is Su Wenqing from Taiwan. This work shows his affection towards hometown and depicts local customs and practices.
This popular song was written during the Fouth Chinese Ethnic Sports Meeting in 1991. Adopting tone from Gungxi and Yunnan, this song is lively and rhythmed. It has cast profound influence on Chinese people from generation to generation.
Encore: Unter Donner und Blitz, Blooming Flowers and Full Moon