In 2013, renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and sheng (a free-reed wind instrument) virtuoso Wu Tong premiered Duo: Concerto for Cello and Sheng, which Zhao Lin composed for the China Philharmonic Orchestra.
The piece, which combines the rich sounds of the cello and sheng, was inspired by the Buddhist monk Xuanzang's historic journey from Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an, Shaanxi province) to India during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in the seventh century, in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. Duo not only refers to a musical duet, but also in Chinese Buddhism, signifies helping people overcome suffering and reach enlightenment.
When conductor Yan Huichang invited Zhao to adapt the work for the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, incorporating both the sheng and cello, Zhao was eager to reimagine the piece.
