History:

Although the members of the ensemble are from different areas around Henan province, it was in Shaanxi's prestigious Xi'An Conservatory of Music that they first met, at the beginning of their studies in 2000. Majoring in each of ChinaĄŻs most prominent classical instruments, namely the Gu Zheng, the Er Hu, the Pi Pa, and the Di Zi, the group soon found themselves performing together in various locations around the ancient city of XiĄŻAn. It was these shows, coupled with the intense effort required to graduate from the conservatory, that allowed the individuals of the ensemble to perfect both their musical and overall performance capabilities.

After graduation in 2004, the group was disbanded as each member followed the path of professional musicianship. It was at this time that Li Kai, the Gu Zheng player of the ensemble, first became introduced to the music of Ireland.

Steeped within the eastern tradition, Li Kai's previous knowledge of Irish traditional music had been confined to the occasional adaptation from certain Hollywood blockbusters.
Then, while teaching in the Yellow river conservatory in Henan province she had a chance encounter with an Irishman, David Keohane, in a music shop in Zhengzhou city. Li Kai quickly agreed to teach David the music of the ancient Gu Zheng in exchange for him introducing her to the traditional music of Ireland. Instantly struck by the common beauty shared by both musical styles, she soon discovered that the colourful tones of Irish traditional music could find a welcoming home within the distinctly Chinese timbres of her beloved Gu Zheng. A visit to Ireland in 2005 further introduced her to some of Ireland's older traditional airs as she found herself captivated by pieces such as 'Marbhna Luimni' and 'The Coolin'. It was at this time that Li Kai realized that Irish music had an enduring soul that was worth exploring further.

She returned to Ireland in 2006 where she arranged and recorded a few solo Irish pieces on the Gu Zheng. These were broadcast, with some of her traditional Chinese recordings, on various radio stations around Ireland.

Finally, in 2007, she decided to record a full album of Irish music played entirely on Chinese instruments. She returned to China in August with her husband David who arranged 12 traditional Irish pieces consisting of airs, hornpipes and jigs, for the Gu Zheng, Er Hu, Pi Pa and Di Zi. After reuniting her previously untitled ensemble of friends, they quickly christened themselves 'The Xi'An Si' and recorded The Xi'An Sessions during the winter months of 2007 / 2008.

 

The Name:

The name The Xi'An Si ( pronounced 'Shee Ann Shee') is an amalgamation of both the Chinese and Irish languages. 'Xi'An' being the city where the group first established themselves, and 'Si' being derived from that most fascinating of Irish traditions, the fairy.

The Xi'An Si:

The Xi'An Si are a Chinese traditional group with an obsession for the music of their home country. By playing some of the world's most ancient instruments, they continue a tradition that has existed in their native land for thousands of years.
Recently though, they have found themselves expanding their repertoire to include the music of a very distant nation. Noticing the inexplicable similarities between the traditional music of Ireland and China, the group have recently released their debut album, 'The Xi'An Sessions,' consisting of Irish tunes infused with the music of China. The album aims to showcase the common integrity and soul that is found within the traditional genre throughout the world.
The Xi'An Si now aim to perform in Ireland, with Irish musicians if possible, in order to demonstrate the complex unity that exists between two nations with a proud musical tradition.
If you are interested please feel free to contact us. Who knows, you might learn a few Chinese tunes in the process!

The Band: