All about the erhu

A monthlong training program for young erhu (two-stringed vertical fiddle) players wrapped up with a concert in Shanghai on Aug 15.

The young musicians performed a variety of genres and styles, from chamber music and solo performances, to accompanying a traditional Chinese orchestra.

They played classic and contemporary music, including Erquan Yingyue (The Moon Reflected in the Second Spring), one of the most famous erhu compositions by Abing (1893-1950), and Yangguan Sandie(Parting at Yangguan Pass).

Organized by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, this year's training program, which ran from July 15 to Aug 15, paid tribute to erhu maestro Min Huifen (1945-2014).

Marking the 10th anniversary of Min's death, the program included composers and conductors who closely worked with Min. They gave lectures, sharing stories of working with Min, and their views on passing down and promoting the erhu.

The musicians visited Yixing in Jiangsu province, which was Min's hometown, to see his former residence and learn about his life.

They also gave two other concerts in Shanghai on July 15 and Yixing on Aug 13.