Xi'an Guyue: Ancient ensemble awaits another millennium

The Xi'an Conservatory of Music also held seminars to study the development of Xi'an Guyue in innovative ways. Last April, the musical institute released an album which recorded the classic scores of the six-century-old local ensembles.

Local cultural authorities and art institutes are also on the move. In the past few years, the Shaanxi Art Study Institute set up a program to bring Xi'an Guyue into campuses in a bid to promote the art among students at all levels.

"By introducing Xi'an Guyue into campuses and letting students appreciate the charm of folk music face to face, it will not only expand the influences of Xi'an Guyue, but also promote the protection and inheritance of the music," said Ding Kemin, deputy director of the Shaanxi Art Study Institute.

The institute has also been holding world tours and cultural exchange activities, bringing the music to Japan, Singapore, Germany, Italy, Australia and the US.

Efforts are being made, but do they necessarily produce a satisfying outcome? The answer may be disappointing. Today's young generation has barely heard of Xi'an Guyue.

We'd love to hear the ancient music sung loud and clear, but in the meantime, we can't help but ask: Will Xi'an Guyue be played for another millennium?