Delhi: Ngartini Huang performs guzheng at Soundscapes of India

Ngartini Huang opened her Delhi set with *Jadeite*, a guzheng composition inspired by a stone she says she always wears. At the Dr Ambedkar International Centre on August 29, the Indonesian musician was joined by Aldo on flute, Zakky on keyboards and Lana on multi-percussion for the Soundscapes of India showcase.

The performance paired the Chinese zither, which has 21 or more strings, with a contemporary ensemble. Huang also played *Au Revoir*, written for her daughter’s wedding, and *Pink Raga*. She said the latter title connects a colour inspired by Jaipur with the Indonesian meaning of raga: soul.

Huang trained on Chinese instruments including the guzheng and pipa in Shanghai. She now runs a music academy in Medan, North Sumatra, and teaches at the University of North Sumatra. “I want the audience to feel happy,” she said of her approach to an instrument often heard in formal classical settings.

Huang said she plans to explore collaborations with Indian musicians, with visits to Kolkata and Goa planned for January.