The youth version of Gardenia Blossomed staged Chinese romance, Qixi Multimedia | Gardenia Blossomed | Youth
On Qixi, the multimedia music scene of the youth version of Gardenia Blossoming of Shanghai National Orchestra was unveiled in the YOUNG Theater, and the new generation of folk musicians played Chinese romance. The cross-border integration of music, painting, and multimedia showcases the youthful atmosphere and fashionable texture of folk music through four chapters: "Encounter, Love, Separation, and Blossom". An audience member said, "Just like the name of the performance, the gardenia flowers bloom with a subtle fragrance and float, overflowing with freshness. Folk music is so moving that it touches people's hearts."
Since its premiere in 2017, "The Gardenia Blossoms" has toured multiple universities in Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Inner Mongolia, and other regions, and has been loved by young audiences. The work incorporates musical elements such as jazz and folk music into traditional folk music, integrating various Chinese and Western instruments to present the inclusiveness and innovation of folk music. The works of Shanghai style painter Zhou Qian flow through the images, and her works use bold and modern colors, blending the meaning of calligraphy and Western painting techniques, which are in line with the spirit of Shanghai style folk music. The beautiful youth and the hidden emotions of young people naturally manifest in the fusion of sight and hearing.
Different from previous performances, the youth version of Gardenia Blossoming on Qixi is mainly composed of the band's "post-90s" and "post-00s" performers. This is the first time that flute and flute performer Zhao Yunmeng has appeared, starring in the second chapter of "Love". She shares her experience with the former voice chief Jin Kai and thinks about new possibilities: "Unlike the gentle and youthful feeling created by Teacher Jin Kai, I hope to integrate a unique and delicate perspective of women, showcase the young girl's thoughts of love, and bring everyone a different surprise."
The coordination between performers is particularly important in chamber music with only 11 members. Hu Qin performer Ling Meng, who is also participating for the first time, said, "The rhythm and rhythm should be unified to be like one person playing. Only in this way can the performance be more layered and full."
Liu Jia, a pipa player born in 1995, and Wang Chuqing, a Ruan player born in 2000, who just joined the group last year, also made a name for themselves in this performance. As the lead actor of the fourth movement "Flowers Bloom", Liu Jia said, "The growth of a performer cannot be separated from a large number of works and rich rehearsal experience. After each rehearsal, everyone will further communicate their music ideas, propose new performance ideas and perspectives."
Ruan and Liu Qin performer Li Lin had previously performed "The Gardenia Blossoms", and the addition of fresh blood inspired her to rethink the work. "While summarizing our previous performance experience, we also need to demonstrate everyone's new understanding of the work, and through repeated practice, we can present beautiful love with new partners."
While young folk music talents continue to stand out, the backbone of Shanghai National Orchestra is also constantly advancing. On September 17th, the "Three Chapters of Clouds and Water" special concert by Jin Kai, the Shanghai Youth Top Talents and Chief Flute Officer of the Shanghai Ethnic Orchestra Talent Training Program's "Representative Works Project" series, will be held at Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall. The brass concerto "Three Chapters of Clouds and Waters" composed by young composer Li Bochan commissioned by the orchestra will welcome its premiere.
In addition, the Shanghai Ethnic Orchestra has collaborated with YOUNG Theater to launch the folk music brand "Roaming YOUNG Chinese Music", showcasing ethnic characteristic instruments while exploring new possibilities for Chinese music and enriching the cultural life of residents.
