The community is invited to join in the annual Chinese Ode to Autumn, a musical performance of zheng and qin at Oaklands Mansion on Thursday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m. This free concert features classical repertoire for both the zheng and the qin, the two ancient Chinese long zithers each representing a significant aspect of the musical culture in Chinese history.
The music
Guest artist, Dr. Haiqiong Deng will lead the audience on a journey of music, culture, and sonic transformation. Through the focus on mindful listening, Dr. Deng introduces critical aspects in understanding Chinese music and how much mindfulness can serve everyday life in modern times. Learn more and listen here.
“Dr. Haiqiong Deng is a master performer of the Chinese 21-string zheng and 7-string qin,” says Dr. Mei Han Director of the Center for Chinese Music and Culture at Middle Tennessee State University. “She has performed and lectured in a wide range of venues including universities, museums, folk festivals, and communities in the US and Asian counties. She has also premiered and recorded dozens of new compositions by American composers.”
The tea
The enjoyment of tea and the benefits of drinking tea has been inseparable from the accompanying music in Chinese tradition. Jinlan “Jenny” Zhong will share her exceptional expertise of tea culture during this event. An elegant display, demonstration and tea tasting will be provided showcasing green, white, black, and oolong teas from the Fujian Province in China where Jenny’s family is involved in all aspects of the preservation, production and preparation of these ancient tea lineages.
Chinese Ode to Autumn is free and open to the public. In order to best serve you, make your reservation online here. Donations will be accepted, both at the door and in advance. You can also find Oaklands Mansion on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Center for Chinese Music and Culture, visit mtsu.edu/chinesemusic.
