Sanxian

Sanxian (three-stringed fretless Banjo) is a three-stringed traditional Chinese Banjo. Also known as Xianzi, it has a long fretless fingerboard, and the soundbox is traditionally made from python skin stretched over a rounded rectangular wooden resonator. It is made in several sizes for different purposes, and the most common two sizes are the large Sanxian which is normally 47 inch tall with a 28 inch long fingerboard-neck, and the little Sanxian that is typically around 39 inch. Its fingerboard is much shorter than the large one, thus easier for children to learn.

Sanxian has a unique, somewhat percussive tone and loud volume. It is primarily used as an accompanying instrument, as well as in folk and classical ensembles and orchestras of traditional Chinese instruments, such as Jiangnan sizhu, Suzhou Pingtan, and Peking and Kunqu operas, though solo pieces and concertos also exist. Its wide range and the fretless fingerboard allows the left hand to glide freely while the right hand applies a variety of fingering techniques such as strumming and tremolos, resulting in a singing-like flow similar to that of the human voice.

Sanxian scores in The 13 Xiansuo Suite passed down from the Qing dynasty imperial family has exhibited the existence of traditional solo Sanxian instrumental music of elegance and grand structure, quite different from the accompaniment styles. It is our honor to carry on this precious legacy of Sanxian.

• Master degree in Sanxian Performance from China Central Conservatory of Music
• Associate Professor at Tianjin Conservatory of Music
• Visiting scholar at University of California, San Diego
• Deputy Secretary-General of the Sanxian Professional Committee at the China National Orchestra Society
• 1st Place winner of the 10th China Golden Bell Award for Sanxian Performance and the only Sanxian artist received the highest award in this most authoritative music competition ever
• Gold award winner of professional plucked instruments competition held by International Cultural Exchange Center of China Ministry of Culture
• Held many Sanxian solo concerts and seminars, including the “Heritage of Strings––Sanxian Music Passed Down from Aisin Gioro • Yuhuan Concert”