The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble presented Museum Series: The Sounds from Cultural Relics in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on March 9, blending history, art, and sound to reimagine cultural relics through music.

With a backdrop of dynamic visuals showing intricate murals from the Mogao Caves and artifacts from major museums, the ensemble performed a series of original compositions inspired by historical treasures. Using traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa, sheng, ruan, and guzheng, the musicians transformed static relics into vivid musical narratives, allowing the audience to experience history in an immersive way.

The concert opened with an energetic piece that depicted the transformative process of porcelain-making that draws inspiration from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) ceramics. Another suite made a playful interpretation of mythical creatures from ancient artifacts, while a poetic melody portrayed the beauty of floral motifs of blue-and-white porcelain. A hauntingly repetitive theme conveyed the mystery of Sanxingdui, evoking the enigmatic aura of this ancient civilization.

The second half of the performance featured more expansive works, including a piece inspired by the serene expressions of Buddhist statues in Dunhuang and other grottoes. The grand finale, a pipa concerto, brought to life the celestial imagery of an ancient Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) mural, portraying the four mythological beasts that symbolize the forces of nature. Pipa soloist Han Yan's performance captivated the audience, earning an enthusiastic ovation.

The ensemble's founder Leonie Ki is a devoted to Dunhuang who has visited the site over 20 times, and she shared her admiration for the cultural and artistic depth of the Mogao Caves.

"Every visit leaves me in awe of the ancient imagination and profound heritage embedded in these murals," she said, "Our goal is to fill the silence of Dunhuang with music, creating a new way to connect with its legacy."

This performance marked an important cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Lau Ming Tak, director of the Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the Government of the HKSAR, emphasized the strong ties between the two regions and expressed ongoing support for bringing more Hong Kong artistic performances to Ningbo audiences.

The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble presented Museum Series: The Sounds from Cultural Relics at Ningbo Grand Theater on March 9. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]