Hong Kong’s World Harp Congress showcases ancient Chinese vertical harp

The konghou, the Chinese equivalent to the Western harp, will come under the spotlight at this year’s World Harp Congress.

The Hongyun Konghou Ensemble, founded by Zhao Guangyun in 2004, will kick off the week-long event at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts on July 7, with a programme that showcases the ethereal sounds of the ancient Chinese musical instrument.

According to the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the earliest version of konghou – which is played horizontally – dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (771BC to 476BC) and the Warring States Period (475BC to 221BC). The vertical version was introduced to China from the West during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220).

“The konghou was introduced into China through the Silk Road,” says Zhao.

The instrument went out of fashion during the Ming Dynasty and didn’t make a comeback until the 20th century, says Zhao, who produced the first double-stringed konghou (a modern version that most professional players use today) in 1984.

Dan Yu, renowned harpist and artistic director of this year’s World Harp Congress, says the Hongyun Konghou Ensemble’s style is eye-opening and revolutionary. “Harpists from the West and all over the world do not have easy access to this traditional Chinese court instrument, so we thought that it would be appropriate as an opening for the congress,” she says.