(Miri, 20th) Organized by the Pei Min Middle School Chinese Orchestra, the third concert of the 2026 'Voice of Life' music season—Shen Dexin Pipa Recital 'Pipa Walk III – Elegant Gathering of Strings'—will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Lin Muzeng and Huang Xiuying Grand Auditorium of the new Administration and Teaching Building at Pei Min Middle School. This concert, centered on the art of the pipa, will showcase the instrument's rich and multidimensional sound through solos, concertos, ensembles, and chamber music, further promoting the development and exchange of local Chinese music culture.
The 'Pipa Walk' concert series, first held in Miri in 2018, has always focused on the pipa as its core theme, continuously exploring the artistic expression and further possibilities of this traditional instrument on the modern stage. At the time, the concert began with only one performer and one pipa, featuring solo performances. It was a rare themed concert dedicated to the pipa in Miri then, allowing the audience a close encounter with the instrument's unique blend of delicacy, technicality, and stage presence.
As the series progressed, 'Pipa Walk' evolved from a solo format into a more layered and interactive stage presentation. In 2023, 'Strings Gather in the Oil City' joined forces with Pinxiang Pipa Ensemble, marking the first attempt at chamber cooperation. Through ensembles and group performances, the pipa revealed more sonic possibilities, and 'Pipa Walk' gradually became a music brand with both artistic, performative, and cultural exchange significance.
This year's 'Pipa Walk III – Elegant Gathering of Strings,' marking the series' third edition, symbolizes the entry into a new artistic phase. The concert will bring together four pipa players of different styles and backgrounds to present a range of classic and modern works through solo, concerto, ensemble, and chamber formats—further demonstrating the pipa’s expressive richness on the contemporary stage.
The organizers explained that 'Elegant Gathering of Strings' means 'passing on the art by strings, making friends through music.' 'Pass on by strings' symbolizes the inheritance and transmission of pipa art and Chinese music, as well as the connection and collaboration among musicians of different generations. From the first solo edition to today's ensemble and collaborative performances, the growth of 'Pipa Walk' showcases not only the expansion in performing forms but also the persistent growth and pursuit of local young musicians in the arts.
As for 'Elegant Gathering,' it draws from Eastern traditional arts, referring to gathering for art and meeting kindred spirits through music. The organizers hope that through collaborations and dialogues among different performers, the audience can rediscover pipa art and further appreciate its traditional charm and modern stage allure.
This concert will feature Shen Dexin as the guest pipa soloist, conducted by Tan Wanxiang, with the Pei Min Chinese Orchestra. The Pinxiang Pipa Ensemble will also continue to participate, with more mature cooperation, showcasing the delicacy and resonance unique to group pipa performance.
In terms of repertoire, the concert will present several distinctive classic and modern works, including an adaptation of the Xinjiang folk song 'Give Me a Rose,' full of western regional flair; the rhythmical and dance-like 'Going to the Flower Market'; 'Dreaming of Jiangnan,' embodying the gentle Jiangnan landscape; the highly technical and stage-charged 'Sword
Dance;' as well as pipa concerto pieces like 'Flying Across the Silk Road' and 'Mountain Lily Fantasy.'
Additionally, the classic pipa concerto 'The Grassland Sisters,' serving as the highlight of the second half, will be one of the concert’s main attractions. This piece is long considered a representative work of Chinese pipa concerto, known for its memorable melody, dramatic richness, and demanding performance skill, making it well loved by audiences.
The organizers noted that the journey of 'Pipa Walk' not only traces the concert’s own development but also witnesses the continuous growth and renewal of local Chinese music culture. From one pipa in 2018 to the harmonious convergence of many in 2026, what 'Pipa Walk' represents has become much more than just a concert—it's the musical trajectory of Miri's Chinese music culture advancing forward.
Concert tickets are now officially on sale, with student, regular, special, and VIP tickets available. The organizers hope that by offering different ticket prices, more students, Chinese music lovers, and the general public will have the opportunity to enter the concert hall and experience the unique allure of pipa art that combines traditional charm with modern stage energy.
The public can reserve tickets through an online form or contact Tan Wanxiang (011-51198864), Chen Jieyi (014-3306152), and Huang Weixuan (016-8727057) for more concert details and ticketing information. The ticket purchase link is: https://forms.gle/96UGv71huDFY9UJQ7 . As seats are limited,
the organizers urge interested individuals to buy their tickets as soon as possible and join in witnessing the growth and continuity of the 'Pipa Walk' concert series. The organizers also reserve the right to amend the concert programme and arrangements.
The 'Pipa Walk' concert series, first held in Miri in 2018, has always focused on the pipa as its core theme, continuously exploring the artistic expression and further possibilities of this traditional instrument on the modern stage. At the time, the concert began with only one performer and one pipa, featuring solo performances. It was a rare themed concert dedicated to the pipa in Miri then, allowing the audience a close encounter with the instrument's unique blend of delicacy, technicality, and stage presence.
This year's 'Pipa Walk III – Elegant Gathering of Strings,' marking the series' third edition, symbolizes the entry into a new artistic phase. The concert will bring together four pipa players of different styles and backgrounds to present a range of classic and modern works through solo, concerto, ensemble, and chamber formats—further demonstrating the pipa’s expressive richness on the contemporary stage.
The organizers explained that 'Elegant Gathering of Strings' means 'passing on the art by strings, making friends through music.' 'Pass on by strings' symbolizes the inheritance and transmission of pipa art and Chinese music, as well as the connection and collaboration among musicians of different generations. From the first solo edition to today's ensemble and collaborative performances, the growth of 'Pipa Walk' showcases not only the expansion in performing forms but also the persistent growth and pursuit of local young musicians in the arts.
As for 'Elegant Gathering,' it draws from Eastern traditional arts, referring to gathering for art and meeting kindred spirits through music. The organizers hope that through collaborations and dialogues among different performers, the audience can rediscover pipa art and further appreciate its traditional charm and modern stage allure.
This concert will feature Shen Dexin as the guest pipa soloist, conducted by Tan Wanxiang, with the Pei Min Chinese Orchestra. The Pinxiang Pipa Ensemble will also continue to participate, with more mature cooperation, showcasing the delicacy and resonance unique to group pipa performance.
In terms of repertoire, the concert will present several distinctive classic and modern works, including an adaptation of the Xinjiang folk song 'Give Me a Rose,' full of western regional flair; the rhythmical and dance-like 'Going to the Flower Market'; 'Dreaming of Jiangnan,' embodying the gentle Jiangnan landscape; the highly technical and stage-charged 'Sword
Dance;' as well as pipa concerto pieces like 'Flying Across the Silk Road' and 'Mountain Lily Fantasy.'
Additionally, the classic pipa concerto 'The Grassland Sisters,' serving as the highlight of the second half, will be one of the concert’s main attractions. This piece is long considered a representative work of Chinese pipa concerto, known for its memorable melody, dramatic richness, and demanding performance skill, making it well loved by audiences.
The organizers noted that the journey of 'Pipa Walk' not only traces the concert’s own development but also witnesses the continuous growth and renewal of local Chinese music culture. From one pipa in 2018 to the harmonious convergence of many in 2026, what 'Pipa Walk' represents has become much more than just a concert—it's the musical trajectory of Miri's Chinese music culture advancing forward.
Concert tickets are now officially on sale, with student, regular, special, and VIP tickets available. The organizers hope that by offering different ticket prices, more students, Chinese music lovers, and the general public will have the opportunity to enter the concert hall and experience the unique allure of pipa art that combines traditional charm with modern stage energy.
The public can reserve tickets through an online form or contact Tan Wanxiang (011-51198864), Chen Jieyi (014-3306152), and Huang Weixuan (016-8727057) for more concert details and ticketing information. The ticket purchase link is: https://forms.gle/96UGv71huDFY9UJQ7 . As seats are limited,
the organizers urge interested individuals to buy their tickets as soon as possible and join in witnessing the growth and continuity of the 'Pipa Walk' concert series. The organizers also reserve the right to amend the concert programme and arrangements.
