On the evening of October 9th, the “Forever Forward” percussion concert of the Strikeast Percussion Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music was successfully performed at the RISE theater of International Campus, attracting Chinese and international students, faculty, and citizens of Haining.
The drum—one of the most ancient musical instruments in China—also had its profound roots in the history of Chinese music. The clear, tinkling sound of the wave drum was many Chinese children’s first encounter with music. As the paramount of the eight musical instruments of China, the drum possesses a history of 4500 years. The “Forever Forward” music concert was exactly where Chinese drums encounter Western percussion, integrating the traditional with the innovative. More than 10 masterpieces from throughout history were performed, combining the powerful rhythms of Chinese drums, along with the vivid charm of Peking Opera percussion, collide with world music styles, showcasing the unique appeal of “New Chinese-style Percussion Music”.
Drum Ode
The intro was the Chinese drum ensemble Drum Ode. With it’s precise sixteenth notes and layers of drumbeats, it demonstrated the essence of Chinese culture with overwhelming momentum, exciting us all.
Taking Tiger Mountain
The second piece was Taking Tiger Mountain—a beloved excerpt from Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy. The audience were immersed in the clear sound of Yangqin, gong drums, seamlessly incorporated into the clatter of metal of Peking opera percussion, and the flow of keyboard percussion.
Bull Fighting Tiger
In the Chinese drum quartet Bull Fighting Tiger, the vivid body movements of the performers, coupled with fierce drumbeats, depicted a dynamic scene of a bull and tiger in combat.
Rhythmic Colors of the World
By combining various types of drums and percussion, the international percussion ensemble Rhythmic Colors of the World featured a passionate Latin-American style. The lively melodies and dancing resembled grand carnivals among tribes, pushing the atmosphere of the concert to its climax.
Artisan Spirit
During the second half of the concert, the percussion ensemble Artisan Sprit composed by artist Zhang Xiaochi, featured the sound of Marimba and paid tribute to the spirit of craftsmanship.
Setting off Fireworks
Setting off Fireworks was a traditional Chinese folk gong-and-drum sketch. Onstage, the performers' fluent tossing and catching of gongs and drums, the rhythmic pauses, shifts in volume, and dances, made the vibrant festival atmosphere come to life.
Heroines of the Yang Family
The Chinese drum ensemble Heroines of the Yang Family was performed entirely with Chinese percussion instruments, accompanied with Peking Opera movements. Led by female performers Liu Chang, Cao Yingli, 12 musicians carried out this performance, presenting this heroic Chinese classic.
Strikeast
The final piece Strikeast, a new Chinese-style percussion ensemble, was the representative work of the Strikeast Percussion Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music, identical with the ensemble’s name. It was a piece combing both the Chinese traditional authentic and Western melodies, standing for the Ensemble’s persistence to Chinese culture and embracement of diversity. They hoped Strikeast could be their beginning point to create music that emphasizes inheritance, suits the era and be forever marching forward to the future with unstoppable passion.
Dragons Soar and Tigers Leap
The concert concluded in the audience’s enthusiastic applause and the encore, interactive performance Dragons Soar and Tigers Leap. The performers showcased the charm of New Chinese-style Percussion Music through their passionate performance and painstaking efforts, allowing the spark of percussion arts to brighten every audience member’s heart.
What the audience reflects
Tonight's Chinese percussion concert was unforgettable, especially Beating the Tiger Up the Mountain and Skyrocket. The former's powerful drumbeats and shifting tempos painted a vivid heroic journey, blending strength and grace. Skyrocket burst with energy, its rapid gongs and drums evoking festive fireworks. Both pieces showcased the richness of Chinese percussion, weaving tradition with emotional storytelling. As a foreign student, I was captivated by the cultural vibrancy and eager to explore more.
—— Michelle, an international student
I was deeply impressed by the performance. The performers incorporated Marimba originated from Africa with the great drum, a traditional Chinese percussion instrument, creating an exiting musical experience. In Dragons Soar and Tigers Leap, the impassioned rhythm and Western melodies embodied strength and harmony. On the other hand, Strikeast’s exquisite beat drums weaved with the ringing voice of the Western glockenspiel formed a dreamlike atmosphere. This was not only innovative and enabled me to feel the collision and convergence of Chinese and Western culture. I was deeply attracted to this form of music and is looking forward to seeing more performances like this in the future!
——Yan Hou, a student
My child and I watched this meaningful performance together. Ox vs. Tiger’s dynamic beat and staging inspired a sense of awe to traditional Chinese culture, and children’s interests towards music. The delicate beats of Women Generals of the Yang Family demonstrated the resilience of heroines, and popularized knowledge about Jiangzhou drum music. This performance, combining the east and the west, was educative and entertaining, enhancing children’s cultural confidence. I hope more performances like this will inspire their growth.
——Ms. Jiang, a resident of Haining
(Article: Media+ Goup JIANG Shenyan; Translation: CENG Xiyue; English Review: Robert Holmes; Editing: LI Songjiao; Editing in Charge: LI Yinan; Reviewer: YANG Yi; Final Review: QU Haidong)