QCEG MAG || LIVING ARTS - LU JING GUZHENG SPECIAL CONCERT

Meeting Lu Jing is as enchanting as listening to her play the guzheng — the ancient Chinese zither that sings with over 2,500 years of history. Lu Jing is not only extraordinarily talented but also deeply kind, humble, and generous in spirit. When we had the rare opportunity to meet her, we were truly taken aback by her radiant character, which shines as brightly as her music.

As a distinguished professor at the Sichuan Conservatoire of Music and a celebrated guzheng virtuoso, Lu Jing embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Her artistry reveals a profound understanding of the guzheng’s poetic soul, inviting listeners on a journey through China’s rich cultural landscape.

Her recent performance at Paris’s Salle Gaveau was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a true privilege to witness her mastery firsthand and to feel the connection she created with the Parisian audience. The warmth and appreciation that filled the room spoke volumes. It was a beautiful reminder of the universal language of music and the timeless charm of the guzheng.

The concert “National Music Inheritance – Masters World Tour: Lu Jing Guzheng Special Concert” held on July 18, 2025, at Salle Gaveau in Paris was organised under the banner of the “National Music Inheritance – Masters World Tour” series.

The guzheng itself is a captivating instrument — a plucked string zither with a resonant, lyrical voice capable of delicate whispers and powerful surges of emotion. With its curved wooden body and moveable bridges, it produces a shimmering, ethereal sound that has enchanted generations across Asia — and now the world.

Lu Jing’s dedication not only preserves this magnificent tradition but also breathes new life into it, reminding us of music’s power to transcend boundaries and touch the human heart. Her performance was more than a concert; it was a celebration of heritage, artistry, and the spirit of generosity that defines her.

A Heartfelt Conversation with Lu Jing

QCEG: At what age did you begin learning the guzheng?
Lu Jing: I started learning the guzheng when I was seven years old.

QCEG: Does anyone in your family work in music, or how did your interest in traditional music begin?
Lu Jing: No one in my family works in the music field, but my parents love music. Their passion inspired me to study traditional Chinese music.

QCEG: How did your love for the guzheng develop over time?
Lu Jing: My fondness grew gradually — through consistent practice and time spent with the instrument. Performing on stage, winning competitions, and collaborating with fellow musicians all brought me joy and deepened my connection with music.

QCEG: Did you always see the guzheng as a potential career path, or did it start as something more personal?
Lu Jing: It began as a hobby. My parents’ deep love for traditional music motivated me to practice diligently. Over time, I bonded with the instrument. Performing and competing gave me confidence and made me fall in love with both the guzheng and the stage.

QCEG: Have you ever worked on music videos or film-related projects, or is your focus mainly live performance?
Lu Jing: I’ve done a few short clips — more like music videos than films. But my main focus has always been live performance. In 2023, I held the first-ever guzheng solo concert at Vienna’s Golden Hall, followed by a solo in Berlin in 2024. This year, I’m performing in France. Each concert is a step toward sharing Chinese music with the world.

QCEG: Have you explored composing or arranging your own music?
Lu Jing: I’ve done a little of both — composing and arranging — but my main focus remains on performance and teaching. I occasionally infuse my interpretations into the music I play.

QCEG: What does Paris mean to you as an artist?
Lu Jing: To me, Paris is a city of romantic art. From architecture to music, everything feels beautifully expressive. There’s a strong artistic atmosphere here. That’s why this is already my second time visiting.

QCEG: What brought you to Paris the first time, and what made you want to return?
Lu Jing: My first trip was for sightseeing. The impression it left was so strong that I knew I had to come back. So yes — it definitely inspired me to return.

QCEG: How do you feel about the growing global appreciation for the guzheng?
Lu Jing: I feel incredibly happy. Like the piano in the West, the guzheng is widely taught in China — in schools, homes, and cultural institutions. Even its softest notes are moving. It’s such an elegant instrument. I’m overjoyed to see more people around the world falling in love with its sound and using it to express their emotions and stories.

As our conversation with Lu Jing drew to a close, one truth stood out: her music transcends performance. It is a soulful expression of identity, memory, and cultural pride. Through her devotion to the guzheng, she preserves an ancient tradition while inspiring new generations to feel, listen, and connect. Her journey reminds us that the oldest melodies often carry the most timeless truths — and that in its purest form, music speaks directly to the soul.