Thursday Lunchtime Community Music Hour

Discover the Guzheng: Sounds and Stories from China

📍 Leeds City Library, Music Library (1st Floor)
Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB

🗓️ Thursday 15 October 2026
🕐 1:05pm - 2:00pm (Doors open at 12:45pm)

Join guzheng musician and University of Leeds PhD researcher Lijun (Mio) Zhang for a relaxed lunchtime introduction to one of China's most iconic traditional string instruments.

Mio will introduce the guzheng, demonstrate its distinctive sounds and playing techniques, and share the stories behind the instrument's rich cultural heritage. Through live performance, audiences will experience the versatility of the guzheng across a range of musical styles, from traditional Chinese compositions and contemporary popular songs to familiar Western melodies.

There will also be an opportunity to see the instrument up close, ask questions, and learn more about Chinese music in an informal and welcoming setting. No previous musical knowledge is required.

About the Performer

Lijun (Mio) Zhang is a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds and a guzheng musician with more than 15 years of performance experience.

His work brings together music, wellbeing, community participation, and intercultural exchange. Mio has shared Chinese music with audiences across universities, schools, community organisations, and cultural events throughout the UK. Alongside his research, he performs, teaches, and facilitates music activities, with a particular passion for making traditional Chinese music accessible to new audiences and creating opportunities for people from different cultures to connect through music.

Event Details

Doors Open: 12:45pm
Event Starts: 1:05pm

📍 Venue:
Music Library, 1st Floor
Leeds City Library
Calverley Street
Leeds, LS1 3AB

🔗 Find out more and book your place:
https://www.ticketsource.com/leedslibraryevents/t-plopqrq