Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance and revival efforts of the traditional Chinese musical instrument, the suona, led by Zhou Benming and his family group, "Zhou Family Band," which has been recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage representative. Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Tradition - Zhou Benming is the fifth-generation leader of "Zhou Family Band," a well-known folk music group in Bolin Village, Lingbi County, with a history of over a century [2] - The suona is celebrated as the "king of instruments" in the region, often featured in important local events such as weddings and ancestral worship [1] - Zhou Family Band has successfully trained over a hundred local Zhou clan members and more than a thousand non-clan enthusiasts in suona performance [2] Group 2: Modernization and Promotion - Zhou Benming has restructured the band, enriching its repertoire and focusing on training, including the publication of "Essentials of Zhou Family Band Heritage" [2] - The band has integrated traditional and modern elements in their performances, creating new works like "Dongfeng Qi" that resonate with contemporary audiences [3] - Since 2017, the band has performed over 200 shows internationally, including a planned 20 performances in the U.S. during the 2025 Spring Festival [3] Group 3: Recognition and Impact - In 2014, the suona art (Lingbi Bolin suona) was included in the national intangible cultural heritage representative project list, boosting its recognition [3] - The performances aim to evoke respect and appreciation for traditional music while also engaging younger audiences with popular music adaptations [3]

Core Viewpoint - Liu Xiaoran, a young bamboo flute performer, aims to promote Chinese music in New York, showcasing the richness and diversity of Chinese melodies through his performances [4][10]. Group 1: Background and Journey - Liu Xiaoran was born in Tangshan, Hebei, and began playing the bamboo flute in sixth grade after being inspired by a television program [5]. - He pursued music seriously, eventually entering the Central University for Nationalities with the highest score in the country for his major [5]. - After graduating, he worked as a music teacher in Beijing but felt a strong desire to perform on stage [6][7]. Group 2: Move to New York - In 2018, Liu moved to the United States to further his studies and explore new opportunities in music [7][8]. - He enrolled in Pratt Institute to study arts management, which broadened his understanding of the arts industry [8]. - The pandemic initially hindered his performance opportunities, leading him to work in various jobs to support himself [9]. Group 3: Breakthrough Performance - Liu's first solo concert at Carnegie Hall in January 2024 marked a significant milestone, being the first solo performance featuring the bamboo flute at this prestigious venue [10]. - The concert included seven pieces representing different regional styles of Chinese music, receiving positive feedback from a diverse audience [10]. - This performance opened doors for Liu in the New York music scene and highlighted the bamboo flute's unique sound [10]. Group 4: Future Collaborations and Innovations - Liu was invited to participate in Chinese singer Zhou Shen's North American tour, blending traditional Chinese instruments with contemporary music [11]. - He is also exploring innovative collaborations, such as integrating bamboo flute with electronic music, aiming to modernize traditional Chinese music [11]. - Liu actively engages in teaching and promoting bamboo flute music, contributing to cultural exchange and understanding [11][12].