Introduction
Preface
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DATA
11.07.2003 - 12.10.2003

Time
10:00am - 6:00pm (except Monday)

Venue
The Museum of Macau, Third Floor


 

 

 
Exhibition “Echoes of Antiquity: the Guqin” and Guqin Recital

2004, which will witness the 15th edition of the Macao Arts Festival (FAM), has been designated “Macao Cultural Heritage Preservation Year”. The Cultural Institute, aside from endeavouring in its efforts to conserve Macao’s cultural heritage, is committed to divulging the art of the Guqin, integrating in this years edition of (FAM) the exhibition “Echoes of Antiquity: the Guqin”. This exhibition will allow us to appreciate and savour the essence of this traditional Chinese cultural treasure. We will be able to enjoy precious examples of this instrument, musical scores and inscriptions on the instruments, among other objects, dating from the Northern Song until the Republic of China. While feeling the magnitude of the Chinese civilization through this exhibition, we will certainly deepen our knowledge and appreciation for Chinese cultural Heritage.

Chinese music has developed in four distinct gradients: popular music, noble music, religious music and scholarly music. Scholars have always preferred the Guqin and traditionally, playing this instrument was as important as playing chess, calligraphy or painting.

The art of Guqin involves the technical knowledge of musical traditions and a permanent exchange with other players. The Guqin has played a fundamental role in the evolution of music and Chinese culture, being one of its symbols. The art of playing the Guqin is also known as “the way of Qin” (Qin Dao) or “the Zen of Qin” (Qin Chan). It is distinct from the art of playing chess, calligraphy and painting, as it comprises its own representative aesthetic criteria, driven by a philosophical idea as far as its interpretive and artistic creation. Therefore, its effect and influence bypass the music sphere and manifest a refined intellectual culture. Not only is it an art that expresses the feelings of an intellectual class, it represents still the ideological influences of the three traditional philosophical schools, namely Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Thus, it has enriched the life of Chinese culture in a unique way over three thousand years.

In 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Guqin as a “masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. The Guqin is the oldest string instrument in China. With a history of over three thousand years, this instrument is resplendent in the international arena, priding itself on a thousand year old Chinese culture. The 15th edition of the Macao Arts Festival will give us a deeper understanding of the art of the Guqin.

On the 7th March, at 3:00 p.m. there will be a recital of Guqin and a short talk by the members of the Chinese Academy of Arts. This will take place at the Macao Museum Auditorium, the entrance is free and all members of the public are welcome.

To further appreciate the art of Guqin, various Guqin recitals will take place at the 3rd Floor of the Macao Museum:

20/03/2004 – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
21/03/2004 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
10/04/2004 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
11/04/2004 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
01/05/2004 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
02/05/2004 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
30/05/2004 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

( Download Guqin performances by the Hong Kong Deyin Qin Society )

In order to better promote this instrument, a Guqin performance will be organized exclusively for teachers, on the 21st of March 2004, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Macao Museum Auditorium.

The splendor of Chinese civilization shown through this exhibition will enable the general public to deepen their knowledge and esteem for Chinese cultural heritage.

Free entry is provided (limited seating available). The exhibition will be opened to the public from 7th March to 30th May, at the 3rd Floor of the Macao Museum. The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last tickets sold until 5:30 p.m.).

For more information, please call 357911 or visit the Macao Museum website. For further information on cultural activities please consult the Cultural Institute website.