Choral Composition

Lyrics: Moya Huang （Tujia）
Music: Aya Zhang (Tujia)
Performed by: Yongkang Teachers’ Choir
Conductor: Wanchang Gao
Languages: Chinese and Miao (as spoken in the Fenghuang region of Xiangxi)
 

Awards:

• Gold Prize, 2024 Zhejiang Provincial Mass Choir Competition (in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China)

• Stars Award (Zhejiang Province), 2025 - one of the highest honors in China’s national community arts system

Description:

A Mountain Story from Xiangxi is a contemporary choral work for percussion and SSAA, rooted in the cultural life of the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, a mountainous ethnic region in western Hunan Province, China.

Lyricist Huang Moya drew inspiration from a traditional courtship custom of the Miao people known as “asking for candy” (讨糖). This practice was commonly observed during gan bianbian chang (赶边边场), or “border market” days, in Miao communities across Xiangxi. On these occasions, young Miao men would approach girls along market paths or roadside gatherings and request small items such as candy, fruit, or wild greens as a playful way to express romantic interest. If the girl responded with a gift, it was seen as a sign of mutual affection. This charming custom reflects the wit, emotional nuance, and improvisational spirit that characterize Miao social interaction.

Composer Aya Zhang, herself from Xiangxi and of Tujia heritage, based the music on the melodic style of ping qiang, a traditional form found in Miao mountain songs. Through a multi-sectional structure, the piece explores varied vocal textures, polyphony, and harmonic layering. Sung in both Chinese and Miao, the work brings together folk-rooted aesthetics and contemporary choral language to portray the humor, resilience, and grace of women’s everyday lives in the mountains.

 

This video is shared for educational and portfolio purposes, with sincere appreciation to the performers and conductor.