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Chinese Performance for Private Occasions

Private events ask for a different scale. A performance at a milestone birthday, an anniversary dinner or a private cultural evening should feel considered rather than staged — closer to a recital than a show.

We work at private events across the UK, from intimate dinners to diplomatic and cultural receptions, including for the Chinese Embassy and The Ivy Asia.

What we perform

Solo musicianGuzheng, pipa or erhu

Live traditional music through dinner or a reception. The most frequently booked private format, and often the most effective — it changes the atmosphere of a room without demanding attention.

Solo dancerA single classical piece

Fan, ribbon or long sleeve. Six to eight minutes, performed close to the audience. Suits a moment in the evening rather than a full programme.

Mask changingSichuan Opera face-changing

Works exceptionally well at close range, where the audience can see there is no trick to see. Rare in the UK and the act most often requested for a milestone occasion.

Small ensembleTwo or three musicians, or a duet

Enough presence for a larger room while keeping the intimacy of the occasion.

Lion danceLion dance

For milestone birthdays, new home celebrations and business openings held privately. Requires space and tolerance for noise — we will be direct with you about whether your venue suits it.

Bespoke commissionsA piece created for the occasion

Choreographed to particular music, or built around a family's story or region. This needs 3+ months and a conversation.

Occasions we work at

Milestone birthdays · Wedding anniversaries · Family celebrations · Private dinners · Cultural and diplomatic receptions · Gallery and collection viewings · New home celebrations · Retirement and farewell events · Memorial gatherings

Discretion

Private work is private. Performers arrive discreetly, change on site and leave without ceremony. We do not photograph private events or reference clients by name without written permission. Confidentiality agreements are signed if required.

Several of our regular private clients are not listed anywhere on this site, and that is deliberate.

Practical notes

Space

A solo musician needs very little — a chair and roughly 2m × 2m. A solo dancer needs approximately 4m × 4m of clear floor. We will assess from photographs if easier.

Homes

We perform in private homes regularly. Ceiling height matters for ribbon and sleeve work; we will suggest what suits your room.

Sound

Traditional instruments are acoustic and need no amplification in a domestic or private dining setting.

Numbers

No minimum. We have performed for a dozen guests and it works.

How it works

  1. 01

    Enquiry

    Date, location, occasion, and roughly how many guests.

  2. 02

    Conversation

    Often a phone call is quicker than email for private work.

  3. 03

    Proposal

    A written quote covering everything.

  4. 04

    Confirmation

    A deposit secures the date.

  5. 05

    The evening

    We arrive an hour beforehand, set up quietly, and perform to your timing.

Questions

Can you perform in a private home?

Yes, regularly. Solo musicians and single dancers suit domestic spaces well. Send photographs of the room and we will advise.

How small is too small?

There is no minimum. A solo guzheng at a dinner for twelve is a genuinely lovely thing.

Can we request a particular piece of music?

Often, yes. Tell us what you have in mind — some pieces can be arranged for traditional instruments, others cannot. We will be honest about which.

Do you perform at memorials?

Yes. Please tell us the nature of the occasion when you enquire so we can suggest what is appropriate.

Tell us about your occasion

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