春序新声Spring Concert

Sino-British is an instrumental and vocal ensemble featuring young artists from China, the UK, India, Germany, and other countries. The ensemble presents fusion-style performances with new arrangements of classic Eastern and Western music. Since 2022, Sino-British has hosted cultural lectures and concerts, such as "Oriental Piano Fantasy" and "Half Lecture, Half Concert."

The ‘Spring Sequence of New Sounds’ concert takes the collision and dialogue between Chinese and Western classical melodies as an opportunity, and is divided into the following themes: ‘Spring Returns to the Earth’, ‘Happy Journey to Jianghu’ and ‘Spring Sequence of New Sounds’, bringing taste of the unique charm, collision, and fusion of Eastern and Western music of different eras, styles, and themes.

The concert features RCM Piano Professor Julian Jacobson, Professor Jinfeng Li, Valentina Seferinova, the Children's Choir, the Central Asian Ruthenian Orchestra, and extraordinary artists from the UK, India, Italy, and Germany who will perform East-West music.

Sino-British has also invited Chinese artists from the older generation to perform classical works. These include the Guo Brothers from the Beijing Film Orchestra, Peking Opera artists, and composer Wang Liping who gave his blessing to the reenactment.

The concert will also include works by emerging young and Netflix artists. Outstanding young musical artists from the East and West, who will present new arrangements of classics such as Phoenix, Sherlock, and Journey of the Elephant King, as well as more East and West musical instruments, artists, and works of art colliding.

‘Spring Sequence of New Sounds’ is the Sino-British Orchestra's sincere endeavor to bring the Chinese and British audiences a refreshing audio-visual enjoyment during the Chinese New Year festivities.

The Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU) was founded in 1965 to promote understanding and friendship between the British and Chinese people.

UK Beijing Arts Centre, established in May 2017, has brought together high-quality cultural and artistic resources from China and the UK. The troupe has organized significant events, including the “Grand Dragon Boat Festival Poetry and Music Gala for UK Chinese Communities” and eight editions of the “UK Beijing Spring Festival Gala” “Echoes of London: How Could I Not Miss Her” themed concert.

Xinyi Guo: Founder of the Sino-British Ensemble, she is a pianist, composer, and arranger specializing in East-West fusion. She has performed at prestigious venues like Westminster Central Hall and was invited to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Siyang Yu: Co-founder of the Sino-British Ensemble, Siyang is a pianist and soprano with a double Master's in Music Performance Science and Psychology degrees in Music Performance Science and Music Education.

Jenni Louise: Jenni holds Music Performance Science and Psychology degrees from the Royal College of Music. She is a violinist who contributes to the ensemble with her background in music performance.

Rudrani Baruah: Rudrani is a musician and soprano trained in Indian classical music. She holds a Master of Science in Performance from the Royal College of Music and is known for her soulful voice and participation in the Sino-British Ensemble.

Cong Shi (Sanjiu): Founder of So Light Event Studio, Cong Shi has extensive experience. He holds a Master of International Tourism from the University of Surrey and plans and organizes large-scale cultural events at least 20 times. He is skilled in blending traditional culture with modern formats and has earned recognition for his innovative planning and execution.

春节序曲 Spring Festival Overture

"Spring Festival Overture" is an orchestral piece by Li Huanzhi inspired by the lively spirit of the Spring Festival. It uses folk Yangge melodies and Shaanbei folk songs to capture the joyful celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Performed by Julian Jacobson, Valentina Seferinova

威风凛凛进行曲 Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance Marche

The "Pomp and Circumstance Marches" are five orchestral marches composed by Edward Elgar, plus a sixth created from sketches. Elgar dedicated them to his friends, including composer Granville Bantock and organists George Robertson Sinclair, Ivor Atkins, and Percy Hull.

Performed by Julian Jacobson, Valentina Seferinova

初心 Initial Heart

"Initial Heart" is a Chinese song about staying true to one's original goals and ideals. Its lyrics convey a sense of determination and commitment, encouraging people to remember their initial motivations and stay dedicated to their journey. The melody is heartfelt, making it an inspiring and uplifting piece.

Performed by Kang Yang, Xinyi Guo

新疆之春 Spring of XinJiang

"Spring of Xinjiang" is a 1956 Chinese violin solo by Ma Yaoxian and Li Zhongshan. The music is smooth, bold, and exuberant, embodying the distinctive style of Uyghur music.

Performed by Bogdan Vacarescu, Valentina Seferinova

帕格尼尼随想曲第24号随想曲 Paganini's Caprice No. 24

Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A minor is a famous violin piece for its difficulty and virtuosic techniques. It includes a theme with 11 variations and has inspired many composers, including Brahms and Rachmaninoff.

Performed by Bogdan Vacarescu, Julian Jacobson

红楼梦•枉凝眉 A Dream of Red Mansions: Wang Ning Mei

"Wang Ning Mei" is a classical song featured in the 1987 TV series "Dream of Red Mansions". In 2019, it was named one of the Top Ten National TV Golden Songs for the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Performed by Yi Guo, Yue Guo, Xinyi Guo

爱的礼赞 Salut d'Amour

"Salut d'Amour, Op. 12" is a violin and piano piece by Edward Elgar in 1888 as an engagement gift for his fiancée, Caroline Alice Roberts. It was initially titled "Liebesgruß" but later renamed "Salut d'Amour" for broader appeal.

Performed by Xinyi Guo, Pinxian He, Jenni Lousise

珠江情满 Love of the Pearl River

"Love of the Pearl River" is a Chinese song celebrating its beauty and cultural significance. It expresses affection and pride for the river.

Performed by Jinfeng Li

神探夏洛克 Sherlock

"Dueling Pianos from Sherlock" is a piano duet inspired by the BBC series "Sherlock". It features a musical duel between two pianos, reflecting the characters' rivalry and sharp intellect. The piece is lively and dramatic, capturing the show's essence.

Performed by Xinyi Guo

金蛇狂舞 Dance of the Golden Snake

“The Dance of the Golden Snake", adapted by Nie Er in 1934, has a festive and passionate melody. It was used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics to highlight Chinese culture.

Performed by UK Chinese Ensemble

丝路之韵 Melodies of the Silk Road

A group of lute (Western folk music) players from the West. Pipa virtuoso Dr Cheng Yu will join them for an exciting East-West lute performance.

Performed by London Lute Ensemble

贵妃醉酒 The Drunken Beauty

"The Drunkenness of Concubine Yang" is a Peking Opera about Yang Yuhuan, who drinks in sorrow after being stood up by Emperor Xuanzong. Mei Lanfang popularized it and is a classic of the Mei School.

Performed by Yingtong Guo, Yongtian Guo

负心人 Core 'ngrato (Ungrateful Heart)

"Core 'ngrato" (Ungrateful Heart) is an Italian song composed by Salvatore Cardillo. It is a Neapolitan song about heartbreak and sorrow over unrequited love. Known for its emotional depth, it is often performed by tenors.

Performed by Thomas Lidgley, Kebei Chen

凤求凰 Phoenix Seeking His Mate

"The Phoenix Seeks His Mate" is a love song by Sima Xiangru from the Han Dynasty. It expresses his deep affection for Wenjun and challenges feudal traditions. The poem is passionate and easy to understand, blending Chu rhetoric with Han folk song style.

Performed by Can Zhang, Siyang Yu

象王行 Journey of the Elephant King

"Journey of the Elephant King" is a national-style work by Guan Dazhou. It was created for the CCTV program "National Treasure" and included in its soundtrack. In 2020, Guan composed a special version for the "National Treasure" concert "The Yellow River's Water Comes from Heaven".

Performed by Sino-British Ensemble

伏尔塔瓦河 The Vltava River

"The Vltava River" is an Italian tenor song inspired by the famous Czech river. The song celebrates the river's beauty and evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Tenors often perform it for its emotional and lyrical qualities.

Performed by Jinfeng Li, Valentina Seferinova

黄河大合唱·黄河钢琴协奏曲 Yellow River Piano Concerto: Piano Duet

The Yellow River Piano Concerto, adapted from the "Yellow River Cantata" in 1969, premiered in 1970. It combines Western piano concerto techniques with Chinese folk music, becoming influential in China and globally.

Performed by Jinfeng Li, Julian Jacobson, UK Chinese Choir, Beibei Wang

茉莉花 Jasmine Flower

"Jasmine Flower" is a Chinese folk song first published in Europe in 1804, gaining international popularity. Puccini later adapted it in his opera "Turandot" and is now considered a cultural symbol of China.

Performed by Siyang Yu, Kebei Chen, Sino-British Children's Choir

友谊地久天长 Auld lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional Scottish ballad transcribed by Robert Burns in 1788. It is often sung at the end of the year, at weddings, and on other big occasions, symbolizing nostalgia and friendship. Singing it in a large circle and linking hands has become a tradition.

Performed by Jinfeng Li, Julian Jacobson, Beibei Wang, UK Chinese Choir

Julian Jacobson

Jinfeng Li

Valentina Seferinova

Yi Guo， Yue Guo

Bogdan Vacarescu

Beibei Wang

Cheng Yu

Kang Yang

Can Zhang

Pinxian He

Jenni Lousise

Thomas Lidgley

Kebei Chen

Arts groups:

Sino-British Ensemble

London Lute Ensemble

UK Chinese Ensemble

Sino-British Children's Choir

UK Chinese Choir

Prof. Julian Jacobson: Piano professor of Royal college of Music. A renowned pianist known for his Beethoven marathon concerts and expertise in classical and contemporary music.

Prof. Jinfeng Li: Wellknown composing pianist with a PhD in Electrical Engineering from University of Cambridge. Jinfeng has over 125 million follower acorss internet and is known for his cross-cultural music tyle and international performances.

Prof. Valentina Seferinova: Piano professor of University of Southampton. A Bulgarian pianist who made her solo debut at eight and has performed internationally with orchestras.

Yi Guo: A Sheng soloist who promotes Chinese music abroad and has performed at major events, including the Queen's 60th birthday celebration.

Yue Guo: A bamboo flute artist who combines Chinese wind music with modern pop music, performing worldwide.

Bogdan Vacarescu: Romanian violinist known for his international tours and collaborations with notable musicians.

Beibei Wang: A soprano, Artistic Director of East-West Arts Initiative, trained in Italian opera, and winner of international vocal competitions.

Cheng Yu: A British pipa and guqin artist, founder of multiple music groups, and recognized as a leading practitioner of Chinese music in Europe.

Kang Yang: A Chinese baritone and guzheng artist trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is acclaimed for his international performances and collaborations with leading musicians and bands.

Sino-British Ensemble: A music group featuring young artists from the UK, China, India, and Germany, blending Eastern and Western musical styles.

London Lutes Ensemble: A Western folk music group joined by pipa artist Cheng Yu for an East-West lute performance.

Sino-British Children's Choir: A choir of talented young singers from the UK and China performing cappella songs like "Jasmine Flower".

UK Chinese Choir: A choir founded in 2013 to promote Chinese culture in the UK, featuring Chinese and foreign members.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Duke's Hall, Marylebone Road, London, United Kingdom