UK Chinese Music Ensemble
Sound of the Silk and Bamboo
The UK Chinese Music Ensemble, founded in 1998, is a leading group of classically trained Chinese musicians based in the United Kingdom. The ensemble is dedicated to bringing the richness and diversity of Chinese accessible to an international audience – through concerts, educational initiatives, and intercultural collaboration.
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The ensemble performs in a variety of formations, including the traditional “Sound of the Silk & Bamboo” ensemble, the innovative group “Silk Breeze”, the “London Yulan Qin Society”, and the award-winning “Chinese Silk String” Quartet. With over a thousand performances worldwide, the ensemble has accompanied major events such as the Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies in 2008 and 2012. Notable venues include the British Museum, the World Music Expo (WOMEX, 2007 & 2023), and the World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival (WOMAD, 2020–2022).
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In addition, the ensemble has collaborated with renowned artists and institutions, including Lang Lang, Tan Dun, Gabriel Prokofiev, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The group has also made a name for itself in film and television, contributing to “Wild China”, “Mulan”, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, and the cult series “Doctor Who”. From 2023 to 2024, the ensemble played a central role in several cross-genre events as part of the London International Chinese Music Festival.
A special focus lies in educational outreach: the UK Chinese Music Ensemble is actively engaged in British schools, universities, and Chinese communities, working to foster a lasting understanding of traditional Chinese music and arts.
Duration: 1h15 min. without break
Location: Atrium
