On the evening of June 17th, the renowned ruan master Feng Mantian and the celebrated actor Pu Cunxin, chairman of the China Theatre Association, transformed the stage of the Pingtan International Performing Arts Center into a symphony of pastoral landscapes and ceremonial music halls. Their concert, "Strings and Poetry," was a masterful blend of traditional Chinese music and classical poetry, showcasing the profound elegance and spirit of Chinese culture.

The performance featured melodies that elevated the audience to the clouds and poetry that touched the soul. Under the theme "Strings and Poetry," the artists delivered a unique production through musical recitations of ancient poems and folk songs, offering a harmonious blend of poetry and music.

A highlight of the concert was the prominence of the ruan family of instruments, including the large ruan, medium ruan, and fretless ruan, complemented by an array of traditional instruments like the bianzhong (chime bells), xun (ocarina), flute, and percussion. The innovative format captivated the audience, who responded with continuous applause. Pieces like the lively "Playing with Deer," the dreamlike "Kangding Love Song," and the romantic yet desolate "Xintianyou" narrated the myriad landscapes of the world through music, making the audience feel as if they were floating in the clouds, overlooking the vast expanse of China.

In the second half, Pu Cunxin's distinctive recitation style brought three classic Chinese poems to life: "Li Sao," "Nian Nu Jiao: Reminiscing about the Red Cliffs," and "Invitation to Wine." The harmonious interplay between the rhythmic language of the poems and the melodious strains of the ruan provided the audience with a unique experience of poetic and musical resonance.

Following the performance, an autograph session allowed the audience to meet and greet the performers. Members of Mantian's band also posed for photos with students from Fujian Normal University's Pingtan Affiliated School, leaving a lasting impression of poetic beauty. "Pu Cunxin's recitation of the three classic poems deeply impressed me. Unlike the poems we only read in textbooks, this poetry concert allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty and essence of the poems," said Kang Jingzi, a student at the school.

Prominent personalities from Matsu, Yang Suisheng and his wife have made numerous visits to Pingtan, claiming they always leave with new discoveries and enriching experiences. However, this poetry concert resonated with them on a profound level. "The concert was incredibly soothing, blending simple instruments to craft a rich tapestry of Chinese elements that leave a lingering aftertaste," reflected Yang Suisheng.

Pu Cunxin expressed his approach to his performance, explaining, "I can adapt to different forms on stage. In addition to reciting fixed poetry, my performances are often spontaneous, ranging from soft murmurs to gentle singing. My primary goal is to convey the musicality of the Chinese language and evoke emotions beyond the literal words."

The concert also featured renowned musicians from the Mantian Band. They incorporated elements from classical, rock, jazz, poetry, and literature into their ruan-centered performances, creating a unique production that harmonized poetry and music. "The music was truly wonderful, and the combination of folk music and poetry was mesmerizing. This trip to Pingtan has been fulfilling, with beautiful sights during the day and an emotionally stirring concert at night," praised Li Huiying, a tourist from Taiwan.