Conductor: Chen Xieyang
Pipa: Zhao Cong
Orchestra: Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra

1. Pipa and the Orchestra “Bloom”
Composer: Ma Jiuyue
Adaption: Zhao Cong
Orchestration: Chen Xieyang

2. Pipa and the Orchestra “Flying Fairies of the Silk Road”
Composer: Zhao Cong
Arranger: Yin Tianhu

3. Pipa and String Quartet “Rose Tango”
Composer: Zhao Cong and Yin Tianhu
Arranger: Yin Tianhu
Guest Performer: Rubik’s Cube String Quartet (Li Cheng, Xie Lingjie, Li Bingxi, Zhao Yinan)

4. Pipa and Dance (Improvised) “Flying Fairies of the Silk Road”
Composer: Zhao Cong
Pipa: Zhao Cong
Dancer: Huang Doudou

5. Pipa Suite “Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai” (World Premier)
Producer: Zhao Cong
Arranger: Yin Tianhu and Geng Rui

5.1 First Movement “Words for You”

5.2 Second Movement “Night Life in Shanghai”
Guest Performer: Jazz saxophone by Geng Rui, Jazz piano by Hu Chao

5.3 Third Movement “Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai”

Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai is a large-scale pipa and orchestral suite commissioned by the publicity department of Shanghai Pudong New Area government in 2018 and composed by the famous pipa player Zhao Cong.
As a representative branch of pipa playing, the Pudong Scchool of pipa originated in Pudong. Pipa Master Lin Shicheng once said that the Pudong School emphasized “an open mind like the ocean”. The pipa concerto Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai, led by Zhao Cong, features the culture, history of Pudong, and its spirit in the new era. Striving to be inclusive and diverse, the music draws on the strength of the splendid world music while holding onto its traditions. Through the three movements of Words for You, Night Life In Shanghai, and Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai, the concert pays tribute to the tradition, to the masters, and to our motherland.

The first movement Words for You reminds us of the poem, “We see beautiful ladies in gorgeous dresses; boast about our prosperity when you get promoted”. The lady is gentle and introvert like a flowing green river. We read about her exquisiteness and elegance in the poems depicting the regions south of the Yangtze River. With a rhythm picturing the good old days of the riverside towns, the performance presents us with the ever-lasting beauty of such ladies. Enjoying the music, we could see a lotus blooming above water and get lost in the brilliant Shanghai opera.

The second movement Night Life in Shanghai is delightful, heartwarming, and affectionate. The lengthy Bund is lit by the brilliant light at night and keeps the visitors from leaving. Neon light flashes in this city that never sleeps, adding to the color of the nighttime. The memory of her lingers around and hits us on the softest spot. The noble ladies coming and going leave behind legendary stories to be passed on. Their elegance and charm shape the “culture of the Bund”. Dressed in cheongsam, they look poised when standing still and sway gently while walking. They turn around and smile with an unparalleled grace, forming an unforgettable scene to be cherished with the music.

Third Movement “Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai”
The third movement Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai is a depiction of Shanghai, a cosmopolis under rapid development. The towering skyscrapers see those independent, determined, and high-spiritedoffice ladies steadily walking by at a speedy pace. As time passes, this modern city leading in fashion and trend keeps seeking development and progression of civilization. The music in this movement echoes with the times which moves us deeply. The integration of the eastern and western music grants this music piece a rich cultural connotation. This is the cosmopolis ever so grandeur. This is the international economic center where every second counts. This is Shanghai. This is the East!
Enjoy the Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai, while the piano plays the melody of the times!
Enjoy the Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai, while the music captures the beauty of East and West!
Enjoy the Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai, while the world listens to the amazing voice of China!

#赵聪 #ZhaoCong #乐鸣东方

Blossoming Melodies from Shanghai：ytube.io/3FbX

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