Tan Weiwei's new concert celebrates diverse Chinese folk music

A grand showcase of China's rich and mesmerizing tapestry of folk culture, the concert also celebrated Tan's decade-long commitment to archiving and promoting folk tunes, many of which are on the brink of being lost due to flagging interest among younger generations.

"When I was young, I started visiting ethnic communities with my teachers to learn how they live and how they use music to communicate emotions," she said.

Hailing from Zigong city, Sichuan province, Tan studied at the Sichuan Music Conservatory and graduated top of her class. She rose to national fame after finishing runner-up in the 2006 hit reality TV singing contest Super Girl.

Over the years, she has been touched by the beautiful sounds she heard while recording folk music across the country. These experiences inspired her and her team to produce this concert. "Every place boasts a treasure trove of folk culture and stories, which requires more people to record and inherit."

Tan first collaborated with veteran Huayin Laoqiang opera artists in 2015 on a TV show, which created a sensation among viewers. The crossover combined rock music and the operatic tradition from Shaanxi province, often dubbed "ancient Chinese rock'n roll", is known for its rousing, propulsive energy.

At the 2016 CCTV New Year Gala, Tan reunited with Huayin Laoqiang opera performers to premiere a new song. The performance garnered both critical and popular acclaim, sparking renewed interest in this ancient art form.

"With my music, I aim to use contemporary perspectives and musical vocabulary to revitalize these age-old sounds, allowing them to resonate with audiences around the world," she said.

Supported by the New Era Series Art Creation project—2023-2025 Stage Art Creation Action Plan and the China National Arts Fund, the Shengsheng Shishi concert will soon begin its national and world tours.