DKU x Suzhou Pingtan Troupe | Moonlit Sounds: An Evening of Suzhou Pingtan

Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library and the Office of Student Experience are delighted to invite you to the Moonlit Sounds: An Evening of Suzhou Pingtan, a special performance featuring outstanding artists from the Suzhou Pingtan Troupe. On a moonlit autumn evening, we welcome you to experience the timeless melodies and evocative stories of Suzhou Pingtan.

Event details:

• September 25, Thursday, 6:30pm (CST)
• Venue: CCT Theater
• Guest Performers: Suzhou Pingtan Troupe

Please register here: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKbWZwagv8oeQwC

Suzhou Pingtan is a traditional Chinese performing art that combines storytelling (pinghua) and ballad singing (tanci). Originating in the Jiangnan region during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it is performed with traditional string instruments such as the pipa and sanxian. The art is celebrated for its elegant melodies, poetic lyrics, and expressive narration, which have captivated audiences for centuries.

The program presents a curated selection of Suzhou Pingtan classics, spanning from the finest Tang poetry to the city anthem of Suzhou, from moonlit Mid-Autumn moments on Shantang Street to the beloved romantic tales of Jiangnan literati, weaving together poetry, history, and local spirit into a captivating musical journey. 

Program 节目单

1. Night Mooring at Maple Bridge 弹词开篇《枫桥夜泊》

2. Beautiful Suzhou 曲牌小调《苏州好风光》

3. Legend of the White Snake: Enjoying the Mid-autumn Festival 弹词选曲《白蛇传·赏中秋》

4. Romance of the Western Chamber: Yingying Playing the Zither 弹词开篇《莺莺操琴》

5. Three Smiles: Rendezvous at the Plum Pavilion 折子选曲《三笑·梅亭相会》