The lost world of the “Ten Kingdoms” showcased in concert by the Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra

Imperial Bells of China - Chimes in Concert performed by Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra

The internationally acclaimed Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra brought their impressive collection of imperial Bells to Australia for an enchanting concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Sydney Opera House on the 20th & 23rd of July , 2017.

Dating back 2400 years, the imperial bells are a set of chime bells from 433BC that were unearthed from the Zenghouyi Tomb in Hubei Province, China, back in 1978. There are sixty-five bells total, weighing a whopping 5 tonnes that are suspended between two sets of wooden racks.

The imperial bells create a unique melodious timbre whenever they are struck, producing a sound that is both beautiful and entrancing, romantic and solemn. The hypnotic resonance of the imperial bells can transport listeners thousands of years back in time to ancient China, a feat that is easily achieved with their breathtaking visuals and striking scale.

The Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra is an amalgamation of a large bronze chime bells ensemble and a Chinese Folk orchestra. The orchestra is well known for their enchanting composition the “Harmony of Eight Tones”, which China has recognised as a significant contribution to the heritage of Chinese music.