"Out of Tujia" is a concerto for four percussionists and a Chinese orchestra, featuring the popular Liuzi percussion ensemble drumming patterns and techniques of the Tujia people. In 2006, the practice of playing the Liuzi was approved by the State Council of China and included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. Liuzi is the most widely circulated form of the ancient folk instrumental ensemble in the Tujia areas. It has a long history, numerous musical pieces, exquisite techniques, and rich expressiveness, making it a unique art form of the Tujia people. The Liuzi ensemble, composed of the Liuzi gong, leading cymbals, secondary cymbals, and Ma gong, integrates the techniques of various instruments, fully showcasing the performance skills of each. Typically, it is performed by 3 to 4 people, hence the terms "three-person Liuzi" and "four-person Liuzi." The "five-person Liuzi," which includes the introduction of the Han Chinese wind instrument suona, combines wind and percussion instruments, adding a festive and joyous atmosphere.
Yiu-kwong Chung conducts the Tao Yuan Chinese Orchestra.

Out Of Tujia Part 3

Having been a Universal Edition composer since April 2022, Yiu-Kwong Chung is one of Taiwan’s best-known and most sought-after composers. He was a Professor of Music at the National Taiwan University of Arts until 2022 and was the General Director of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra (TCO) from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure with TCO, he has written concerti for numerous top-class soloists, including percussionist Evelyn Glennie, trombonist Christian Lindberg, saxophonist Claude Delangle, cellist Mischa Maisky and Anssi Karttunen, flutists Pierre-Yves Artaud and Sharon Bezaly, in addition to renowned Kronos Quartet; all were world-premiered by the TCO. In June 2012, he conducted the orchestra’s European Tour (with soloist Evelyn Glennie). He staged performances in Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Le Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris that brought immediate international fame to the Orchestra. From 2009 to 2015, he produced six CDs released worldwide by Swedish BIS Records.