Folk Traditions Meet Audience Participation in Zhou Long

Music by Zhou Long was presented in an interactive lecture-concert at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre on Tuesday, as part of the Hangzhou Spring Music Festival.The event featured the composer’s String Quintet arrangement of Eight Chinese Folk Songs, introduced through a lecture outlining the musical ideas and cultural context behind the work, followed by a two-part performance. Admission to the concert was free, drawing an engaged audience.In a moment of lively interaction, first violinist Liu Yang encouraged listeners to join in with the well-known melody of “Fangma Shange,” prompting the audience to echo its rhythmic calls. The exchange brought the folk material to life, offering listeners a direct and participatory experience of the music’s origins.Filmed on April 14, 2026 in Hangzhou. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klassikom.substack.com