CulturalFest Spotlight: Guqin- Evening Song of the Drunk Fisherman
The FIUTS CulturalFest on February 19 will feature 11 performing artists and groups who will share cultures from around the world on the Meany Hall stage at the Performance Showcase. At the International Expo, taking place the same day, numerous cultural booths at the UW HUB share over 35 different cultures through music, dance, food, conversation, and interactive activities.
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about the performers and booths who will be sharing their talents at CulturalFest. Today the spotlight is on Guqin- Evening Song of the Drunk Fisherman, a solo performance by Pei Zheng.
Meet Pei Zheng, a solo performer playing the song, “Evening song of the Drunk Fisherman”, on the Guqin. The Guqin is a plucked seven-string traditional Chinese musical instrument.
"Guqin, which was proclaimed in 2003 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO, has existed for over 3000 years and represents China’s foremost solo musical instrument tradition. The distinctive characters and beauties of Guqin, such as its literary music system, emphasis on both skills and cultured accomplishments, and its pursuit of Taoism, urge me to introduce Guqin to others to the best of my ability.
In fact, Guqin playing, which was developed as an elite culture and practiced by noblemen and scholars in a peaceful environment, was not intended and suitable for stage performance. Thus, instead of appreciating the skills that a Guqin performer possesses, I would suggest the audience pay attention to the inner spirit of traditional Chinese philosophy expressed in this beautiful and elegant music. In other words, it is well enough to just close your eyes and enjoy the music itself.”
CULTURALFEST TICKET INFORMATION:
Interested in seeing Pei Zheng and the other talented performers? Learn more here or buy tickets below!
*To make this in-person event as safe as possible, we are working with all our partners in implementing safety measures. Proof of vaccination against COVID will be required upon entry to Meany Hall for the CulturalFest Performance Showcase. Masks will also be required upon entry.