'Music is my magic'

Liu Sola and her group rehearse for the upcoming show, Liu Sola&Friends Ensemble Concert, which will be held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing on Saturday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Composer Liu Sola is dedicated to reviving ancient Chinese sounds through her contemporary, avant-garde approach.

The rehearsal starts with a few repeating notes from a keyboard, followed by the distinctive sounds of the pipa (a four-stringed Chinese instrument). Then come the guitar riffs and drum beats.

Composer and lead vocalist Liu Sola (Liu Suola) raises her hands as she approaches the microphone and begins to sing.

The group is rehearsing for the upcoming show, Liu Sola & Friends Ensemble Concert, which will be held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing on Saturday.

The star-studded lineup of 12 young and seasoned musicians, which includes rocker and guitarist Liu Yijun, pipa soloist Yang Jing, percussionist Zhang Yangsheng and guqin (seven-stringed Chinese zither) player Wu Na, will perform a dozen works composed by Liu, including Daddy's Chair, A Chicken at the Country Fair and Celebration of Darkness and Light.

"The music might sound like it's from the Middle East or Africa but is authentic traditional Chinese sounds," Liu says. "For example, the sound of the pipa is the same as thousands of years ago but in our music, it works as if it were played in a swing band."

Liu is one of China's most controversial and mysterious authors-composers-singers. She is dedicated to reviving ancient Chinese sounds with her contemporary, avant-garde approach.

"When we play music together, it's like having a religious ceremony, which heals, comforts and spreads energy. As for me, I am more like a witch and music is my magic," she says, referring to the Liu Sola & Friends Ensemble, which she founded in 2003. The ensemble evolves with new members joining every year.

At 59, Liu remains cool and sharp, and she says it's important for her music to be upbeat.

"Why don't young people listen to traditional Chinese music anymore? Because it's really boring. I hope to spread the exciting energy to the audience through my music. Don't underestimate the audience, especially the young people. I believe they will get it," she says.