Erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) player Li Ting embarked on a trip to Lima, capital of Peru, in September. After a flight of around 30 hours, she arrived at her destination: the Colegio Peruano Chino Juan XXIII school.
All these three months, she has been teaching students how to play the traditional Chinese musical instrument.
Often referred to as the "Chinese violin", the erhu has a history spanning more than a thousand years. Known for its expressive sound, the instrument is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, making it a staple in Chinese folk and classical music. Traditionally made from a wooden body and snake skin, its haunting melodies often evoke themes of nature, love and longing.
Li is a member of the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, who, in a vibrant exchange of cultures, is among the Chinese erhu players of the company accepting the mission of introducing the traditional instrument to students in Peru. She is among the third group of artists of the company taking on this initiative which not only fosters an appreciation for Chinese traditional art but also creates a unique blend of cultural understanding and artistic expression.
"As a performer, I toured South America with the company. As a teacher, it's a first-time experience for me, which is exciting and fresh," says Li.
"The students work very hard to learn the instrument and many of them started from zero, which is a very challenging and rewarding experience for them," she says. "Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express a newfound respect for Chinese music and a desire to explore further. The connection established through the shared language of music transcends cultural barriers, creating friendships and understanding among participants."
