I composed Two Trees for Guzheng and Erhu for this concert. Program notes and concert details:
I took the title and inspiration from an erroneously attributed proverb, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now,” and from the fact that both the Guzheng and Erhu are instruments made primarily of wood. The phrase is often attributed to a Chinese proverb, but likely originated in mid-20th-century Western agriculture, forestry, or conservation bulletins rather than in ancient China. In Western culture, attributing vague but deep advice to an anonymous “Chinese Proverb” or to Confucius is a common rhetorical trick. It gives the quote an aura of ancient, timeless authority. Another, attributed to Nelson Henderson, is “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Regardless of attribution, the tree as a metaphor resonates with me on many levels, both as a person and as a composer. (And I have planted multiple fruit trees in my Florida yard!)
In any case, composers often start with a germinal seed of an idea from which a composition grows, as was the case with this piece. I have always loved the Erhu, as a New Yorker who has heard subway musicians perform gorgeous, plaintive melodies for passersby. And it was the perfect complement to the Guzheng in my thinking, because, while the Guzheng’s tuning limitations meant that it would be set to a pentatonic (five-note) scale, the Erhu could supply any other notes I liked, and you’ll hear that I use the Erhu to shift the tonality from section to section, so that the Guzheng stays rooted (see what I did there?) to its five notes, the Erhu allows for our perception of those five notes to take on different (branching?) emotional qualities.
The Central Florida Composers Forum (CF2) is excited to announce our first-ever collaboration with the Chinese American Association of Central Florida (CAACF), bringing you a night of new and original Chinese music.
With Ann Yao on guzheng and Rui Yang on the erhu — both Shanghai natives — our composers approached their pieces with awe and deep appreciation for China, its rich history and culture, and the instruments and techniques used to capture the essence of a beautiful land and its residents. From heart-racing, fast-paced melodies to calming, tranquil movements, our composers have worked to honor the traditional aspects of Chinese music, building on the guzheng and erhu’s emotional pull and distinctive sound.
Please join us and the CAACF on August 9th at Timucua Arts at 7:30. Ticket link in our bio or scan the QR code in this post!
Composers:
Scout
Nate Chivers
Jeremy Umlauf
Charlie Griffin
Erik Branch
Musicians:
Ann Yao
Rui Yang
In-person and livestream tickets available. Discounted tickets are available for members, students, teachers, frontline workers, veterans, and seniors. This event is a part of Timucua Arts Foundation’s International Guitar Festival 2026. Free parking on Summerlin Ave. and at Wadeview Park. Please bring a bottle of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage to share.