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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Over the past 18 months, around 25 original works have been written by Chagan and other Inner Mongolian composers, mostly reflecting on the lives and people of the Mongolian ethnic group.

Instead of wearing traditional colorful Mongolian clothes, the musicians of the orchestra wear black tuxedos and long white robes of Inner Mongolia, because Chagan says they are more appropriate for a symphony.

Yilatu, director of the Matouqin Symphony Orchestra of Uxin Banner, says the orchestra made its debut performance in Uxin banner, and received warm feedback from the audience.

"They were curious to see the orchestra and they have never listened to the matouqin performed in that way," he says.

"We believe the matouqin came from ordinary families and local people so their opinions are very important," the director says.

IF YOU GO

7:30 pm, May 28. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.