Master of the Nets Classical Night Garden Party

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There are many gardens in Suzhou and The Master of the Nets is one of the smaller ones, but we decided to visit it because of their special night party.
We saw eight different performances of various types of ancient Chinese arts, including Chinese opera, singing, instrumental solos and dancing. Each performance was introduced in both Chinese and English, and lasted about 10 minutes. It was kind of odd, even the ones that were entirely in Chinese were enjoyable - even Jim enjoyed them! Chinese opera is not what we think of opera as - it is a from of drama and music.
Afterwards, we were able to walk around and enjoy the gardens and if we wanted, we could sit through the shows again.
It is amazing how these little gardens are tucked away. This one was off of what is referred to as "Bar Street." Jim said he had been on that street many times in his stays in Suzhou and was told there was a garden there, but was hesitant when I said that was where I wanted to go because he couldn't imagine it being much of a garden! He was pleasantly surprised!

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Photos

Instrumental
"The Zheng, commonly known as Guzheng, (pronounced "Goo-Zheng"), is a plucked string instrument that is part of the zither family. It is one of the most ancient Chinese musical instruments according to the documents written in the Qin dynasty (before 206 BC). " http://www.philmultic.com/guzheng/

Chinese Music
"The pipa is a four stringed lute with a pear-shaped body. Its short, bent neck has 30 frets which extend onto the soundboard, offering a wide range. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the pipa is one of the most popular Chinese instruments, and has maintained its appeal in solo as well as chamber genres." http://www.philmultic.com/pipa/

Chinese Music
"Erhu is a kind of violin (fiddle) with two strings which, together with zhonghu, gaohu, sihu, etc, belongs to the "huqin" family. It is said that its origin would be dated up to the Tang dynasty (618-907)." http://www.philmultic.com/home/instruments/erhu.html

Linda and Jim
Leah took this one!

Comments

[Jen]

wow
Just catching up with you entries...Oh how I wouldve enjoyed doing all of this!

[covemom]

Wish you could have joined us!
It would have been fun to have had you there too!