For Chagan, who is now based in Beijing and has composed for more than 40 films and TV series, the most challenging part was re-arranging Western classical music and finding instrument makers to produce the matouqin of different sounds.

"We want the instrument to be taken to an international audience, but the core is to keep the root of our culture and focus on the matouqin," he says.

Over the past 18 months, around 25 original works have been written by Chagan and other Inner Mongolian composers, mostly reflecting on the lives and people of the Mongolian ethnic group.

Instead of wearing traditional colorful Mongolian clothes, the musicians of the orchestra wear black tuxedos and long white robes of Inner Mongolia, because Chagan says they are more appropriate for a symphony.

Yilatu, director of the Matouqin Symphony Orchestra of Uxin Banner, says the orchestra made its debut performance in Uxin banner, and received warm feedback from the audience.

"They were curious to see the orchestra and they have never listened to the matouqin performed in that way," he says.

"We believe the matouqin came from ordinary families and local people so their opinions are very important," the director says.

IF YOU GO

7:30 pm, May 28. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.

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