Yantai musician brings konghou to global stage

Yantai musician Jiang Xiuyan brings the konghou to the global stage. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

Jiang Xiuyan, 41, a musician from Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area, has dedicated herself to preserving the konghou, a traditional Chinese instrument. This ancient stringed plucked instrument has been showcased by Jiang at prestigious venues such as the Golden Hall of Vienna and the Budapest Opera House, earning her countless accolades.

Jiang began her musical journey with the guzheng (a Chinese zither) when she was a child, before transitioning to the konghou after completing her university studies.

The konghou is an ancient stringed plucked instrument that resembles a harp. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

With a history of over 3,000 years, the konghou was lost for six centuries before being brought back in 1979 by Cui Junzhi, a musician from the China National Traditional Orchestra.

"When I first saw Teacher Cui play the konghou, I was captivated by its grand appearance and melodious tones," she said.

Today, Jiang has her own studio in Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area, offering free guzheng and konghou classes to underprivileged students and elderly volunteers. She also organizes events to promote the instruments.

To contribute to musical education for all, Jiang expressed her commitment to honing her skills, preserving Chinese folk music culture, and continuing to make a difference.

Jiang Xiuyan teaches students how to play the guzheng, a Chinese zither. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]