Haiqiong Deng (hi-chong deng) will perform on a Chinese stringed instrument called the Gu-Zheng (goo-zhung). This instrument has been played in China for over 4,000 years. Ms. Deng is a master of the Gu-Zheng, which is to say that she is one of the most accomplished players of this instrument in the world. Few people ever achieve her level of artistry. She has performed with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and has given recitals all over the globe.

Ms. Deng was born in the city of Lanzhou in Gansu Province in south China. Her father was her first music teacher, and then when she was 12 she left home to attend a high school that was part of the Xi’an Conservatory of Music. In 1997 she received her BA degree from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and from there she went to Beijing Conservatory to study with Professor Qu Da-cheng, a Gu-Zheng master.
Ms. Deng came to Florida State University in 2001 to study Arts Administration. Although her studies keep her very busy, she still finds time to practice her instrument and continues to give concerts.

The Gu-Zheng has evolved over time. The earliest known versions were made with a bamboo frame that had five silk strings stretched over movable bridges. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) the number of strings was increased to thirteen and wood was used for the instrument body instead of bamboo. There were additional improvements over time. The Gu-Zheng that our soloist plays has 21 nylon strings that provide a wide range of tone colors and depth. Other Gu-Zhengs today may have 18, 23, or 26 strings.

The Gu-Zheng is in the zither family of harps that rest on the lap or a table. Ms. Deng’s instrument rests on a frame. The instrument is plucked with the right hand while the left hand presses the string on the left side of the bridge. The left hand alters pitch, makes sliding notes, and increases the vibration with a motion called vibrato.

Watch Ms. Deng as she plays the Gu-Zheng. Her whole body is involved in the act of plucking the strings and creating the music. Like the fragrance of jasmine, notes seem to hang in the air. Her arms and hands move with the artistry of both musician and dancer.