Free weekend concerts to cheer you up

Shenzhen Concert Hall has curated two free concerts in its “Afternoon Music Time” series this May, inviting talented young musicians to perform for music lovers.

Piano concert

Jin Yu (L) and his students. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

On May 23, Jin Yu, a young Chinese pianist based in the U.S., will serve as a guest lecturer and lead his outstanding students in a piano concert dedicated to Franz Liszt. Beyond performing, Jin will narrate Liszt's life story, providing context for the audience to better appreciate his works.

Jin has toured widely as a soloist and has also collaborated as a conductor with orchestras such as the Shanghai Philharmonic, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Suzhou Symphony Orchestra. Performing alongside Jin will be award-winning piano students from the Shandong University of Arts. Their repertoire includes Liszt's études, art song transcriptions, lyric pieces, and virtuosic rhapsodies.

Time: 3 p.m., May 23

Chinese music concert

Xu Yifang (L) and the yangqin ensemble she founded.

On May 30, young yangqin virtuoso Xu Yifang will join forces with the ensemble she founded to present a concert of traditional Chinese music. The ensemble is composed of outstanding students from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music.

The program will feature three Cantonese music pieces, contemporary composer Li Jun's two-part yangqin concerto “Mountains, Rivers,” the trio piece “The Big Dipper,” and a suite inspired by Yunnan folk music. Also included are a unique rendition of “Oh! Susanna” and an original work titled “Kung Fu Master.” The concert will offer the audience a chance to experience the charm of Chinese music with a contemporary twist.

Time: 3 p.m., May 30

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Follow the Shenzhen Concert Hall WeChat account (ID: szyinyuet) to reserve tickets.

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D