An ensemble from the Huangpu Youth Art Activity Center joined young musicians from around the world at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, on Thursday, bringing the sounds of China to one of the world’s most renowned international music festivals.
Competing in the Instrumental Ensemble category, the Shanghai ensemble, comprising 42 students, performed alongside groups from countries and regions including Wales, the United States and Zimbabwe. The performances created a diverse musical atmosphere, showcasing the shared connection that music can bring across cultures. The ensemble went on to win second-ranked gold award in the category.
The ensemble performed Jasmine Flower, a traditional Chinese folk song, in a contemporary arrangement that blends Chinese musical traditions with Western compositional techniques.
“We hoped the familiar melody would resonate with international audiences while showcasing the beauty of Chinese music,” Hu Yunyun, head of the orchestra of the Huangpu Youth Art Activity Center, said.
“We also chose Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, one of opera’s most iconic orchestral excerpts. With its beautiful and moving melody, the piece was selected as a fitting match for the picturesque setting and performed by the Chinese students,” Hu added.
Hannah Stell, adjudicator of the Instrumental Ensemble category, praised the Shanghai students’ performance, saying they “were really professional” and that she was “impressed with their performance”.
The performance exceeded the expectations of both teachers and the conductor, demonstrating the students’ solid musical foundation, Liu Xuanyi, event organizer for the Huangpu Youth Art Activity Center, said.
“Through the heartfelt performances of these young musicians, we hope to showcase the distinctive charm and Eastern elegance of Chinese music to audiences around the world. At the same time, the festival enables young people to immerse themselves in diverse artistic traditions, engage with the world through music, and foster greater mutual understanding,” Liu added.
The Huangpu Youth Art Activity Center brings together talented student musicians from across Shanghai. Through regular training and performances, it helps young musicians develop their artistic skills and represent the city at home and abroad. The center also promotes international cultural exchanges by sharing traditional Chinese culture with global audiences and welcoming overseas artistic groups to China.
Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has grown into one of the world’s best-known cultural festivals. It was established to bring different cultures together and celebrate shared values through music, dance and a spirit of peace, according to Dave Danford, artistic director of the festival.
He said the festival’s appeal lies in bringing together diverse cultures from around the world through music, dance and singing. Performers from different countries, he added, showcase their unique traditions while sharing the same sense of joy, excitement and connection, creating a vibrant atmosphere for audiences.
As musicians from different backgrounds gathered in Llangollen, the festival once again demonstrated how music can transcend borders and bring people closer together.
