Pagoda Arts

Pagoda Arts is a leading cultural organization based in Liverpool, dedicated to promoting Chinese heritage through music and the arts. Founded in 1983, it is home to the renowned Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra (PCYO), Europe’s first and largest Chinese youth orchestra. The PCYO has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Shanghai World Expo, bringing authentic Chinese music to global audiences and providing a platform for East and Southeast Asian young artists.

A key achievement of Pagoda Arts is its commitment to nurturing talent. The orchestra, primarily composed of British, East, and Southeast Asian members, has supported hundreds of young musicians over the past 40 years, many of whom have pursued successful careers in the arts. In 2021, the organization launched the Emerging Young Artist Program, producing rising stars like Tian Qiyi, a duo blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern genres such as electric jazz, reggae, and electronic music. Their debut album, Red Mist, showcases their creative mastery with tracks that range from energetic and danceable to haunting and reflective. The album was featured in Songlines’ “Top of the World” list in November 2023, solidifying their reputation as future stars.

Following the album's release, Tian Qiyi performed at the prestigious Valkhof Festival in the Netherlands, captivating audiences with their unique sound. Their rising popularity has also led to collaborations with renowned musicians, including reggae legend Horace Andy and acclaimed producer Richard Russell.

In recognition of their impact, Pagoda Arts and Tian Qiyi received the Leader of the Field and Young Musician Achievement Award at the 2024 Global Chinese Spring Festival Gala in Beijing.

In 2023, Pagoda Arts launched the Pagoda Records label, releasing albums from Tian Qiyi and the Imagine Bamboo Ensemble, promoting innovative Chinese music. Since 2022, the organization has also hosted the annual SEA Festival in August, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of British and East & Southeast Asian communities through music and arts.

Collaborating with musicians like Jah Wobble and the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Pagoda Arts has garnered accolades such as the 2008 Songlines Music Award for Best Cross-Cultural Collaboration. By continually evolving and experimenting with new artistic forms, Pagoda Arts ensures that Chinese music and culture remain relevant for contemporary audiences, establishing itself as a leader in cross-cultural collaboration and fostering appreciation for Chinese culture in the UK and beyond.