Sally Chen
Guqin Player
Sally Chen began her journey in Guqin in 2017 under the guidance of Nalan Diaolu, a representative figure of the Wu School of Guqin in Melbourne, Australia. The Wu School traces its lineage back to Wu Zhaoji, one of the four great Guqin masters of the Republic of China era. Nalan Diaolu, founder of the Wu Mo Qin Society in Melbourne, has studied under renowned Guqin performers from the Wu School, such as Pei Jinbao and his daughter, Pei Qinzi. The Wu Mo Qin Society is the Oceania branch of the Wu School and was selected as one of the Global Top 100 Guqin Societies in 2019, representing Australia as the sole selected society.
”Playing Quqin for me is about listen to the nature, the time and the space. I would love to share this ancient beauty with more people.”
Guqin
The Guqin（Chinese 古琴) is a plucked seven-string traditional Chinese musical instrument. It has been played since ancient times, and has traditionally been favoured by scholars and literati.
According to tradition, the qin originally had five strings, representing the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The modern form has been stabilized to seven strings.
The qin is mentioned in Chinese writings dating back nearly 3,000 years, and related instruments have been found in tombs from about 2,500 years ago.
北宋 赵佶《听琴图》（局部）故宫博物院藏
Sharing it
Since 2021, Sally Chen has been actively engaged in Guqin performances and cultural exchanges. Her repertoire includes cultural events, Guqin performances at music festivals, and Guqin music experience salons.
《良宵引》现场演奏节选
《良宵引》是中国古琴名曲，其曲谱最早见于明《松弦馆琴谱》（1614），为《四库全书》所收唯一的明代琴谱，在古琴界颇有影响。
Video shot on the event of Winter Light Festival, Salamanca Arts Centre, HOBART, 2022.
《梅花三弄》现场演奏节选
《梅花三弄》，又名《梅花引》、《梅花曲》、《玉妃引》，是中国十大古琴曲之一，历史可追溯至东晋（公元317年－420年。 现存最早的琴曲乐谱可见于《神奇秘谱》（1425年）。
Video shot on the event of Story-telling-IN21 The Light Show, Rosny Farm Arts Centre, HOBART, 2022.
《阳关三叠》现场演奏节选
《阳关三叠》为中国十大古琴曲之一。这首乐曲产生于唐代，是根据著名诗人、音乐家王维的名篇《送元二使安西》谱写而成的。因为诗中有“渭城”、“阳关”等地名，所以，又名《渭城曲》、《阳关曲》。
Video shot on the event of Moonah Sounds of the World, Moonah Arts Centre, HOBART, 2023.
I discovered the Guqin later in life and have thoroughly enjoyed the entire journey. The unique nature of the Guqin makes it particularly suitable for adults with life experiences to explore and learn.
If you are interested in Guqin culture or learning the Guqin, please contact me.
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Guqin cultural experience salons
Guqin cultural experience salons are designed for a wide range of settings, including companies, schools, government organizations, and art centers. These salons provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Guqin.
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Guqin performances
Guqin performances are ideal for music festivals, prestigious events, and venues with a proper sound system. These performances create a serene and captivating atmosphere, making them best suited for closed venues and quiet environments.