THE sounds and imagery of China’s Jiangnan region came alive during the ProArt Chinese Orchestra concert titled “Spring Warmth Over Water” at Dewan Sri Pinang in Penang.
Conducted by Lim Soon Lay, the performance guided audiences through the musical landscapes of southern China, where gentle waterways, ancient towns and lyrical traditions have long inspired composers.
Jiangnan music is characterised by its refined and expressive style, often likened to a flowing river, with layered textures and nuanced tonal colours that evoke both serenity and movement.
Lim said the programme was designed to capture the gentle elegance and poetic imagery often associated with Jiangnan music.
“We hope the audience can hear not only the melodies, but also feel the warmth and flow of spring through the music,” she said.
Among the highlights of the evening was the erhu concerto Warmth of the Spring River, performed by Shanghai Chinese Orchestra soloist Duan Aiai.
The three-movement concerto traced the awakening of spring along the riverbanks, moving from gentle, reflective passages to a vibrant finale celebrating the season’s vitality.
Duan, a first-class musician and associate professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is widely recognised internationally for her performances and contributions to erhu education.
Another concert highlight was Symphony of Sizhu, a composition that blended the traditional silk-and-bamboo ensemble sound with modern orchestral writing.
The piece unfolded in contrasting movements, shifting from lyrical storytelling passages to lively sections reflecting the bustle of Jiangnan towns and waterways.
That evening, the concert opened with a ceremonial three-strike gong ringing and a presentation of appreciation tokens to sponsors.
The concert concluded with an encore performance of Lady Flower in conjunction with International Women’s Day, drawing warm applause from the audience.
