Ancient music revived by Taiwan Ensemble

One of China's oldest musical genres, Nanyin, or the Southern Tones, was recently included on UNESCO's intangible heritage list. Nanyin thrives in the caring hands of Chen Mei-O, who founded the Taiwan-based Hantang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble twenty six years ago to revive the musical heritage.

Taipei's Hantang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble is a leader in the preservation of Nanyin music. Rehearsing for their latest production, the Tale of Luo River Goddess, the actors hone their moves with meticulous attention to detail.

The story is adapted from an eponymous poem from Cao Zhi. The lingering, soft melodies touch the heart, and the slow-paced dance gives considerable time to appreciate the subtle movements.

Chen Mei-O, Artistic director of Hantang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble, said, "The beauty of the show lies in a combination of Nanyin music and Liyuan dance. Liyuan dance predates Kunqu opera by approximately five hundred years. With little dramatic confrontation, the Liyuan dance, together with delicate, melodic sound, conjures up a scene of immense beauty, hence its my inspiration. "

Performing at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of New China, the company brought its repertory piece, Feast of Han Xizai, to Beijing in September.