When the past strikes a chord

Lu, vice-president of the Konghou Institute under the Chinese Musicians Association and a teacher at the China Conservatory of Music, says she was impressed by Liang's devotion to learning and promoting the instrument.

"If today the konghou has become hugely popular in Qiemo county, it is because of Liang," she says.

Lu herself was introduced to the instrument at the age of 15, when she studied in a middle school affiliated to the China Conservatory of Music. "If we could compare the konghou to a woman, she'd be someone very refined, quiet and gentle," says Lu.

The musician recalls how much she had wanted to be in Qiemo following the archaeological find of 1996. So, after graduating from the China Conservatory of Music in 2014, Lu paid a visit.

"I had never been to Xinjiang before and I knew no one there. The trip was overwhelming. I vividly remember the drive through the Taklimakan Desert. My first stop after arriving in Qiemo was the museum, where the relics of the konghou were on display," recalls Lu.

Since her visit, Lu has been working with the local authorities to train music teachers and children. "I receive warm feedback from those who learn how to play the instrument," she says.

Over the past few years, says Lu, the konghou has been in demand again, courtesy of government support and media exposure.

It was among the 10 most famous ancient Chinese musical instruments displayed during a performance, titled Qi Tian Yue, by the China National Traditional Orchestra, in February. The gala was hosted by the China Central Television to mark Lantern Festival, and the performance won applause from audiences, particularly the youth.