Performance: The Romance of Chinese Poetry

with poet Clara Hsu & Guqin master David Wong
Thursday, 5/27/2021
7:00 - 8:00
Virtual Library

United States

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Poet Clara Hsu and Guqin master David Wong offer insights into the intricate relationship between word and music in ancient China.

They present Chinese classical poems in Cantonese (with English translation) with guqin music. The program includes a Guqin lament, renowned duets from the Tang Dynasty, and nature and tea poems. The presenters also share classical paintings that were part of classical literati expression.

The guqin, a seven-stringed zither, has been closely associated with poetry for more than 3000 years of Chinese history. The earliest poems to reference the qin are found in Shijing, The Book of Songs, from the 11th century BCE. The unique voice of the guqin delved into the soul of the poets and stirred their deepest feelings, until word and music coalesced and all senses were elevated.

Clara Hsu is a poet and translator. She is the director of Clarion Performing Arts Center in San Francisco’s Chinatown. 

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David Wong is a guqin master. He is the director of Tranquil Resonance Studio, a center promoting the learning and understanding of classical Chinese culture. 

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AANHPI Interest

Weaving Stories: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Interest
Connect with AANHPI heritage with programs and workshops, book recommendations and more.

Weaving Stories is the Library's celebration of the many diverse histories and cultures from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

Performance

Events featuring theater, music, art and dance.

中文/Chinese

活動以粵語進行 Program in Cantonese 活動以國語進行 Program in Mandarin

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.