Matouqin instrument joins orchestra

The Mongolian instrument matouqin is the focus of a symphony orchestra from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Provided to China Daily

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Few people knew about Uxin, the small banner in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, before the matouqin symphony orchestra was created in May 2013. It was the country's first symphony orchestra featuring an instrument from an ethnic group.

Among Uxin's 130,000 residents, more than 10,000 play the matouqin, a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument.

"(The number of players) proves the popularity of the instrument and how much we love it," says Chagan, the artistic director and co-founder of the symphony orchestra.

On May 28, under the baton of Chagan, 56 members of the orchestra, including 37 matouqin players, will perform at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

The repertoire includes traditional Inner Mongolian folk music, such as Pastoral Song and The Horse's Back, to classical symphonic works, including Carmen Overture and Czardas.

The composer also rearranged folk songs from Northwest China, including Shan Dan Dan Hua Kai Hong Yan Yan (Red Morningstar Lilies Are In Blossom), for the matouqin, presenting a fresh take on the capabilities of the instrument.