From June 28 to July 2, the China Musicians Association’s art troupe presents a special cultural exchange concert in the UK, and hosts 2 meeting performances in Manchester and London, showcasing the innovative developments in Chinese music at a national level. The events have fostered mutual learning between China and the UK and significantly boosted China’s musical presence on the global stage.
On the evening of June 30th, the concert was successfully held at Duke’s Hall in London. The event is organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and China Musicians Association, with support from the Chinese Embassy in the UK. Wuxi Symphony Orchestra presents the concert in collaboration with the UK branch of the European Times. Esteemed guests include Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang; Vice President of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, President of China Musicians Association, Ye Xiaogang; Deputy Secretary-General of China Musicians Association & Director-General of the Music Art Center of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Xiong Wei; Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Li Liyan; Chairman of the Yehudi Menuhin School Board, David Buckley; Chair of China UK Business Development Centre John Mclean, the President of the Royal Society of British Artists Mick Davies and violinist and conductor Hu Kun with over 300 people attended the exceptional musical event.
The concert opens with Laughing in Vernal Breeze, composed by Li Shaosheng, captivating the audience with its portrayal of chivalrous-patriotic spirit and a very expressive violin solo. It is followed by Amanisa, a symphonic poem by Wang Danhong that blends romantic and impressionistic elements, performed with emotional depth on the Erhu. Ye Xiaogang’s Nine Horses, drawing inspiration from Chinese Peking Opera and the folk music of Vietnam and Indonesia, showcases a fusion of Eastern lyricism with Western modernism. The concert concludes with a chamber arrangement of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, rearranged by Erwin Stein in 1921, offering a laudable contemporary Chinese perspective on the European classic. The concert is received with a standing ovation, reflecting the profound impact and acclaim from the audience.
Led by conductor Lin Daye, the concert features China’s most authoritative music competition “Golden Bell Awards” gold medalists Dang Huali on violin, Gao Bai on erhu, and soprano Zhang Wenqin, along with the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble. The performance highlights the innovation and charms of Chinese symphonic and Jiangnan music, demonstrating music’s power to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. The diverse program of classics and new works deepen the audience’s appreciation for the rich cultural narratives of China and the UK, affirming music as a universal language that inspires and unites our two peoples.
China Musicians Association remains dedicated to enhancing global cultural exchange through music, promoting China’s musical heritage, and enriching the global music landscape. The Association is committed to fostering a harmonious and dynamic international music community, ensuring the continuous evolution and shared progress of music worldwide.
