On 3 November, the fifth Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) concert, featuring ICH music of ethnic groups of China, was held at Language and Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions (LCC). The Bai Brothers Band of Bai ethnic group from Yun Nan province was invited. Three artists performed a variety of pieces accompanied by their folk musical instruments. The drums produced high-pitched sounds and the dragon-head three-string fiddles made pleasant melodies. The Bai Brothers Band presented a gala of authentic national music for the audiences from home and abroad.

Introduction to the Bai Brothers Band

The Bai Brothers Band is the first ICH band of the Bai ethnic group of china. Their performances revolve mainly around the national ICH music of the Bai people, that is, singing accompanied by the dragon-head three-string fiddle and integrated with ancient melodies of the Bai people. The band has been committed to inheriting their ICH music and making it flourish. They participated in the 2015-2016 New Year Concert held by CCTV, receiving wide popularity from a host of audiences. In 2018, a special concert was held at the Beijing 798 Art Theatre, marking the band’s first concert aiming for inheritance and development of the ICH music of the Bai ethnic group.

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province is home to Jianchuan Bai Melodies, which are ancient melodies with a history of over 1000 years. The melodies are rich in their expressiveness and renowned for beautiful tunes, full range and wide popularity. On 11 November 2014, Jianchuan Bai Melodies were inscribed on the fourth list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items by the state council. The dragon-head three-string fiddle is the single accompanying musical instrument especially for Jianchuan Bai Melodies of the Bai ethnic group of China. 

Introduction to Leading Members of the Bai Brothers Band

Li Zuobin

An ICH bearer, member of Dali Prefecture Youth Federation, skilled in singing and playing the dragon-head fiddle, bass. He was awarded the title of “King of the Bai Singers” at the “Contest for Fascination”, a competition for singing champions of Chinese ethnic groups, held by CCTV in 2015.                 

Dong Lulong

An ICH bearer, adept at wind instruments, baritone. He was awarded the title of “King of the Bai Singers” at the “Contest for Fascination”, a competition for singing champions of Chinese ethnic groups, held by CCTV in 2015.

Li Siwang

An ICH bearer, percussion player, tenor. He was awarded the title of “King of the Bai Singers” at the “Contest for Fascination”, a competition for singing champions of Chinese ethnic groups, held by CCTV in 2015.