The sophisticated guqin, with a history of more than three millenia, is one of China's most significant classical instruments.

It was considered the first of the four quintessential Chinese arts for the self-cultivation of scholars and cultured individuals, alongside qi (the weiqi or Go board game), shu (calligraphy) and hua (brush painting).

Zeng Chengwei, a professor of the Shu school from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Southwest China, discusses the Chinese zither in a course that combines classes, workshops and an evening concert.

The event is being held in association with the London Youlan Qin Society, and is supported by the Prince's Charities Foundation (China).

Date: June 21-24

Venue: Russell Square at the University of London

Website: http://www.soas.ac.uk

(China Daily 06/22/2012 page31)