In August of this year, the Traveling with Folk Songs concert, created by the China National Traditional Orchestra, premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. On December 28, the orchestra will once again perform Traveling with Folk Songs at the Theatre of the Beijing Exhibition Center, and in the coming year, this musical experience will be taken to various cities across the country.

The Traveling with Folk Songs concert is a creative arrangement of traditional folk songs, divided into four sections: "Melodic Diaries," "Flavored Prose Poems," "Immersive Landscapes," and more. It showcases folk melodies from different ethnic groups, regions, and styles, such as the Xintianyou from Northern Shaanxi, Shanxi Mountain Tunes, Gansu Hua'er, Guizhou Folk Songs, Urtiin Duu (traditional Mongolian long song), Bai ethnic Xishan Tunes, and Northeast folk songs, among others.

“We use modern compositional techniques to reimagine and adapt traditional folk songs, preserving their original functions while adding interactivity, creating a musical performance with elements of a theatrical play,” said Zhao Zeming, the music director and resident composer of the China National Traditional Orchestra. During the premiere at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the creative team discovered that this interpretation style resonated with younger audiences. "We found that audiences from the 60s and 70s tend to enjoy folk songs by singing along, but those from the 80s, 90s, and even younger generations prefer interaction—wanting to play along with the performers on stage,” Zhao explained. He noted that folk songs are a precious part of China's musical heritage. Recognizing the interests of younger audiences, the creative team decided to bring the concert to more locations, ensuring that folk songs truly resonate with younger generations.

On the 28th, Traveling with Folk Songs will be conducted by the young conductor Wang Guanren at the Theatre of the Beijing Exhibition Center, with the China National Traditional Orchestra choir performing once again, featuring music with regional characteristics. Zhao Cong, the president of the orchestra and the artistic director of the concert, revealed that this performance will tour cities such as Guangxi and Guizhou next year and will also go abroad to participate in world-class choral festivals, showcasing the charm of Chinese folk songs.

Translator: FENG Haoxuan

Reviewer: BAI Jing