Hong Kong father-and-son erhu players put new spin on classics
Father-and-son erhu players Wang Guotong and Ray Wong hope their latest concert will help change perceptions of the Chinese stringed instrument.
Popular father-and-sonerhu duo Wang Guotong and Ray Wong are teaming up for a concert that promises to put a new spin on well-known Chinese folk songs and pop tunes. They also hope to change impressions of the Chinese stringed instrument.
"Many people may think the erhu is for playing either very old songs or songs so new and adventurous that nobody can understand [them]. I hope people can see it as a romantic, warm and charming musical instrument," Wong said ahead of the event this weekend.
One highlight will be Wang's original take on one of the best-loved works in the Cantonese opera repertoire — Princess Chang Ping. Titled The Fantasia of Princess Chang Ping, it is a new piece by Wang, who is regarded as one of Hong Kong's best erhu players and composers.
"The most special thing about this piece is it is performed by two erhus — it's a double erhu ensemble," says Wong. "Many people have heard of the song Dai Nui Fa and may think what we'll perform is the Chinese opera version but it isn't — my father has composed a new version."
