Chinese Lyric String Quartet delights audiences in Norway and Denmark

Amid the celebrations of China’s National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Lyric String Quartet from the Central Conservatory of Music showcased their artistry in Norway on Sept 29 and in Denmark on Oct 1, as part of the "A Moonment to Remember—the Concert for the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival" cultural performances.

In Oslo, the quartet’s performance was a highlight of the reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The event opened with the classic Chinese piece May we all be Blessed With Longevity, whose melodies conveyed deep emotions of longing and blessing, resonating with both Chinese and international guests.

The quartet then presented works by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, beautifully blending Eastern and Western musical traditions.

The performance culminated with the spirited Chinese folk song Song of Horse Herding, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience and symbolized the genuine friendship between China and Norway.

In Copenhagen, the concert at the China Cultural Center featured a curated selection of Chinese and Western string classics. The Lyric String Quartet demonstrated exceptional skill in performing Western masterpieces such as Grieg’s String Quartet No 1 in G Minor and Carl Nielsen’s String Quartet in G Minor, while also presenting Zhou Long’s adapted Eight Chinese Folk Songs.

The performance concluded with May we all be Blessed with Longevity, based on Su Shi’s timeless poetry and arranged with contemporary techniques, artfully connecting the Mid-Autumn Festival’s theme of reunion with the National Day celebration.

This tour by the Lyric String Quartet represents a new step in strengthening friendship and artistic cooperation between China and both Norway and Denmark, continuing the tradition of using music as a bridge to promote dialogue between civilizations.