Beijing residents revive court music

Click for more news in News Hour>>

In Beijing, a group of amateur musicians are developing a reputation for performing ancient court music. And they now have the perfect venue for their concerts.











Suchperformancesusedtobetheexclusive
entertainmentofnobilityandseniorofficials
duringthedynasties.

In downtown Beijing, the age-old theater of Prince Chun's Residence comes alive with ancient melodies following the completion of its restoration a month ago.

The musicians are all amateurs from a local community school. Most have been training for years. Producing music on ancient instruments like Erhu, Yangqin, and Guzheng, they specialize in the tradition of classical court music.

Such performances used to be the exclusive entertainment of nobility and senior officials during the dynasties. Over the years, the group has received recognition at home and abroad, staging shows in countries like Japan and the United States.

The newly restored theater was originally built in the middle Qing Dynasty period of the 18th century. It was part of the compound of a powerful prince. The old theatre has come back to life, providing the perfect venue to once again perform its ancient music.