Mindy Meng Wang is a versatile Chinese-Australian composer and performer, masterfully trained on the traditional Chinese instrument, the guzheng. Born and classically trained in China, Mindy studied Western Musicology in the UK before migrating to Australia. Excelling in experimental music and improvisation, Mindy is pioneering a new sonic direction for the guzheng. Her work explores the fertile space between traditional and contemporary practices, and is part of a significant movement of Chinese musicians redefining and reinvigorating their musical tradition.
Mindy’s Sounds Unheard Studio Talk series, “The Guzheng: Tradition & Imagination”, is an invitation to learn more about her instrument and culture. Over the course of four episodes, Mindy shares an overview of Chinese music history and traditions, the background and fascinating sounds of the guzheng, and how she showcases her instrument in modern genres and unexpected collaborations.
In episode three, ‘Story and Imagery in Chinese Music’, Mindy discusses the importance of narrative in traditional Chinese music. Looking at two of the most well-known works for the guhzeng – Gao Shan Liu Shui (High Mountain, Flowing Water) and Yu Zhou Chang Wan (Fisherman Singing at Sunset) – Mindy demonstrates how carefully selected sounds and techniques are used to create these vivid scenes through music.
Join us next week for the fourth and final episode of Mindy’s series, ‘The Guzheng Reimagined’. For more information on Mindy, please visit https://mindymengwang.com.
Tags: Chinese music Guzheng Mindy Meng Wang
