Li Xiangting

Li Xiangting is a master of the guqin, a seven-stringed Chinese zither. In addition to performing recitals around the globe, Xiangting has shared his knowledge of the ancient Chinese instrument as a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in China since 1963.

Initially studying under Zha Fuxi, Xiangting studied under Wu Jinglue at the Central Conservatory of Music from 1958 until his graduation in 1963. In 1989, he received a fellowship from Cambridge University in London. During the five years he spent in London, he researched guqin improvisation and lectured at the Music Research Center of the Afro-American Institute.

Xiangting has performed at several historic concerts. In 1982, he became the first guqin player to appear at the Oriental Musical Festival in Scotland. Ten years later, he broke the attendance record for a guqin concert, drawing 10,000 people to a concert at the Paris Municipal Theatre De Laville.