Debra Li debra_lidan@163.com THE Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) is inviting audiences to embark on a musical time traveling experience this evening at Shenzhen Concert Hall. Conducted by its artistic director Yan Huichang, the orchestra will present works by four established Chinese composers. French saxophonist Christian Wirth will collaborate. The program includes Zhou Ji’s (1943-2008) ancient qiuci music suite, “Silk Road Fantasy” by Zhao Jiping, “Tang Resonating” by Ng Cheuk-yin and a suite of TV and movie themes by Cantopop master Joseph Koo. Qiuci, an ancient kingdom located in the Kucha Oasis in today’s Xinjiang, first became an administrative part of China in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220). An important stop on the ancient Silk Road, qiuci was famous for its music and dance, which became popular in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). However, the music faded into the shadows of history in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when mainstream Chinese society blamed Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his indulgence in music and dance for the decline of his dynasty. Zhou, a composer born in Jiangsu Province, spent more than 40 years working in Xinjiang, studying folk music. Starting in 1982, he collected more than 300 folk songs and musical pieces on which he based the suite. “Silk Road Fantasy,” written by Zhao was a popular repertoire for Chinese orchestras since its premiere in 1990 by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Inspired by Chinese paintings, Zhao said the piece depicted how he imagined the ancient Silk Road to be during the Tang Dynasty. The five movements are titled after different sites along the road, where music opens a magical scroll of dunes, violent sandstorms and bells ringing as a caravan passes by before the eyes of audiences. Wirth will play on a saxophone for the solo portion of the suite. Born in 1970, Wirth completed postgraduate studies in saxophone and chamber music at the Paris Conservatory. The award-winning saxophonist has performed with prestigious orchestras like the National Orchestra of France and Orchestra of Paris besides appearing on Radio France and TV channels. Audiences will also hear “Tang Resonating,” a piece commissioned and premiered by HKCO last year. Ng, a renowned composer, arranger and performer based in Hong Kong, is known for a music style that flows seamlessly through the East and West, past and present while breaking down borders between genres. Fans will also hear familiar melodies from Koo, who composed over 1,200 songs in his career, many of which are now considered as classic Cantopop, such as themes from 1980s TV series “The Bund” and 1986 movie “A Better Tomorrow.” First founded in 1977, HKCO now has a rich repertoire that covers both traditional Chinese music and contemporary works. It also explores new frontiers in music through commissioning new works of various types and styles, whether as original compositions or arrangements. Its 91 staff musicians perform in four sections comprising bowed-strings, plucked-strings, wind and percussion instruments. Traditional as well as modified Chinese instruments are incorporated. Time: 8 p.m., March 28 Tickets: 80-680 yuan Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, intersection of Hongli Road and Yitian Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路和益田路交汇处深圳音乐厅) Metro: Line 3 or 4,0 Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D | 