Get Ready to Hear the Soothing Sounds of the Chinese Zither!
HAMILTON, MA, September 22, 2026 – The Hamilton Wenham Awesome Foundation has awarded its monthly $1,000 microgrant to Celestial 21, a youth Chinese zither ensemble dedicated to sharing the beauty of traditional Chinese music and culture with local families.
Led by young musicians Lois Tolstopyatenko, Maximus Tolstopyatenko, Emma Shi, and Julia Shi, Celestial 21 was created to introduce North Shore audiences to the captivating sounds of the guzheng, a 2,500-year-old Chinese instrument often referred to as the Chinese zither. Through live performances, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities for children to try the instrument, the group aims to foster creativity, curiosity, emotional well-being, and a lifelong appreciation for music and cultural diversity.
The Chinese zither (guzheng) is one of China's oldest and most beloved string instruments. Featuring 21 to 26 strings stretched across a resonating wooden body, the instrument produces rich, expressive tones that have enchanted audiences for centuries.
“Our goal is to bring comfort, joy, and inspiration through music while sharing a treasured part of Chinese culture with our community,” said Xiaoxuan (Anna) Chen, whose daughter Emma performs with the ensemble. “Both of our families came from China, and we are passionate about preserving and sharing traditional Chinese arts and music. We hope these performances will help children and families discover something new and beautiful.”
The Shi family has lived in South Hamilton since 2020, with their children attending Buker Elementary School. They have been active supporters of local Chinese New Year and cultural celebrations hosted by the Hamilton-Wenham Library.
“Celestial 21 perfectly embodies the spirit of the Awesome Foundation,” said Merry Kaulbach, trustee of the Hamilton Wenham Awesome Foundation. “Their project sparks curiosity, builds community connections, and celebrates cultural traditions through music. We were especially inspired by their commitment to engaging young audiences and enriching our community, particularly given the strong Mandarin language program in our schools.”
The grant will help fund educational performances, outreach programs, and opportunities for local children and families to experience the zither firsthand. By making these cultural arts experiences accessible, Celestial 21 hopes to strengthen community connections and broaden appreciation for one of the world's oldest musical traditions.
The Hamilton Wenham Awesome Foundation awards a no-strings-attached $1,000 microgrant each month to projects that inspire creativity, spread joy, and make a positive impact in the community. Community members with ideas that would benefit Hamilton and Wenham are encouraged to apply through the foundation's website.
For more information about Celestial 21 and upcoming performances, visit www.Celestial21.com.