By Chi Zhang
Journalism intern from University of Melbourne
QiQi still remembers the first time they saw the guzheng as a child. It was while watching the Chinese film Kung Fu Hustle at their grandparents’ house. They were immediately drawn to the instrument and have been playing it for more than a decade.
The Chinese-Australian composer and multi-instrumentalist is now developing Echoes of the Earth, an immersive performance blending the guzheng with contemporary music.
QiQi’s work spans solo concerts, collaborative ensembles, and large-scale multisensory productions, focusing on fusion, connection and storytelling.
The guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history of over 2,000 years. It is typically tuned to a pentatonic scale of five notes, rather than the seven-note diatonic scales commonly used in Western music.
Blending the two styles is not without challenges. QiQi says it often requires adjustments in tuning and sound to adapt the guzheng to Western musical contexts, as some sounds are not naturally produced by the instrument.
However, they say Chinese music can bring out some elements that are less pronounced in Western styles.
“It’s about finding a middle ground between the two, combining jazz harmonies with the storytelling elements of Chinese music,” QiQi says.
“That’s what I love most about music—how exciting and fulfilling it is to create.”
Just as QiQi bridges cultural heritage with modern creativity, their work remains deeply connected to Melbourne’s west, where they grew up and continue to draw inspiration from.
“I love traditional Chinese music. I also love jazz, the double bass, and all genres of music. As a Chinese-Australian growing up in Melbourne, my music brings together all my experiences and background to tell stories,” they say.
“I feel really lucky to be able to learn and play the guzheng here, even though we’re halfway across the world from its origins. And I’m so glad to share it with local communities, as it’s such a beautiful instrument with a rich history.”
QiQi’s current project, Echoes of the Earth, is a performance exploring humanity’s changing relationship with the natural world. At a time when many people feel increasingly hopeless about the climate crisis, the work carries an important message.
“It’s about putting the power back into people’s hands in response to the climate emergency,” QiQi says. “As an artist, I feel a responsibility to help change people’s minds. This work seeks to bring a sense of courage to the issue, and an awareness of our connection to the earth.”
The performance includes a 4.5-meter “world canvas” that comes alive with projections, lighting, smoke, and haze effects. It features an original score for the guzheng, piano, double bass and percussion, and centres on audience participation. As the story unfolds in real time the audience is invited to make choices that shape the ending.
“That’s probably the most exciting part,” says QiQi. “The performance will be different every night, and you never really know what’s going to happen next.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what people end up choosing”.
Echoes of the Earth is presented at the Bowery Theatre from 21–23 May
Book tickets at: creativebrimbank.com.au/bowery
To find out more about QiQi
Website: qiqimusic.com.au
Instagram: @qiqimusic
