Young artists dressed in traditional Chinese costumes will welcome in the Year of the Ox in a virtual performance celebrating Lunar New Year.
The online event, When West Meets East: Contemporary Chinese Folk Music Concert will be live-streamed from the Richmond-based auction house YKLM from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 14. Those interested in traditional Chinese culture can enjoy the show from their couches for free.
“We have invited young Chinese music professionals who have a deep understanding of both Chinese and Western culture to overturn people’s first impression of Chinese cultural performances,” said Jennifer Liu, the director of Vancouver Hanfu Culture Society, a non-profit founded by a group of UBC students in autumn 2011. The group has since expanded to 700 members including university students and their parents.
The event will feature Chinese folk dances, instrumental performances as well as exclusive arrangements, one of which combines Chinese musical elements with a popular Japanese anime song.
Bringing this all to life will be performers dressed in Hanfu, the ancient clothing worn by the ethnic-majority Han people before the Qing dynasty in China, according to Liu.
Hanfu has recently become more noticeable in China, with more enthusiasts promoting Hanfu culture via social media. The centuries-old clothing has gone from a fashion style to a social movement with more young people wearing it on the streets to take photos.
Liu said they hope to introduce the beauty of Hanfu and the traditional Chinese culture to a broader audience.
The event will also be live-streamed on YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinese-instruments-meet-pop-music-tickets-135732071279.
