Join us on this Silk Road journey featuring Chinese pianist Siqian Li and Guzheng Virtuoso and Baritone Kang Yang, connecting the musical traditions of China, the Caucasus, Anatolia and Andalusia.
Echoes of the Silk Wind, curated by Siqian Li, traces a musical journey along the Silk Road exploring how melodies evolved as they travelled through diverse cultures. Joined by Guzheng Virtuoso and Baritone, Kang Yang in the first set, together they redefine Chinese music on the global stage.
The programme begins with works inspired by China’s landscapes, poetry, and Uyghur traditions before moving west through the Caucasus and Anatolia to Andalusia. Along the way, it highlights the shared musical language connecting these regions, with pieces by Fazil Say, Albéniz, Babajanian, and Chu Wanghua reflecting the folk traditions, cultural exchanges, and enduring influence of the Silk Road across continents.
“Huge emotional range and effortless pianistic control” (Paul Lewis CBE)
Siqian Li
Siqian Li is an internationally acclaimed Chinese pianist celebrated for her refined artistry, emotional depth, and distinctive musical voice. Featured as a rising star in BBC Music Magazine, she has been praised for her “virtuosity and talent” (Annecy Classic Festival) and playing described as “graceful and touching” (Emanuel Ax). She has performed at leading venues including Bridgewater Hall, Jordan Hall (Boston), Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall, and Tokyo Ginza Yamaha Concert Hall, as well as appearing at major festivals across Europe.
Kang Yang
Bridging Chinese traditional music and Western classical performance, Kang Yang has appeared at the Barbican Centre, the British Museum, the O2, and internationally across Europe and China. His collaborations with Burberry, Chanel, the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Chamber Orchestra, and SAULT reflect the breadth of his artistic vision and cross-cultural musicianship.
With special thanks to The Cockayne Foundation for its generous sponsorship of The Silk Road Concert Series.
