The guqin (literally ‘old strings’) is a seven-stringed traditional Chinese musical instrument with a deep, elegant tone and an expressive force reminiscent of a pizzicato cello, fretless double bass or a slide guitar. Over its 3,000-year history, it’s been prized as an instrument of great sophistication, and, along with calligraphy, tea ceremony, flower arrangement and incense, is one of five key symbols of China’s national spirit and traditional culture. Join us this Sunday afternoon and hear what the guqin can do. As part of Melbourne Festival, and curated by Melbourne Recital Centre, two members of the Jun Tian Yun He Ensemble will perform traditional and modern Chinese compositions, demonstrating the ancient forms while sharing the artistry and aesthetics that lie at the very heart of Chinese culture.