To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a symphonic concert Tan Kah Kee (Choral Suite) was staged at Wang Yuanxing International Conference Center, Huaqiao University (HQU) on the evening of October 30. The concert was co-hosted by the Publicity Office of the CPC Huaqiao University Committee, the Student Affairs Office of the CPC Huaqiao University Committee, Xiamen Huaxia University, and Jimei Federation of Literary Art Circles. Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s love of homeland and hometown, his selfless dedication, and spirit of philanthropy were shared and felt in the soulful singing.

The concert opened with the mixed chorus “Boundless Love”, conducted by Professor Gu Yumei from the School of Music and Dance of Huaqiao University, and performed by Xiamen Huaxia University Choir and the Chengyi Choir from Jimei District. They delivered a powerful rendition that celebrated Mr. Tan’s expansive benevolence. His name echoed throughout the piece, deeply resonating with the audience.

A series of choral pieces, i.e., “Dream Chasing in Nanyang”, “Glorious Years”, “Nostalgia for the Homeland”, and “Jimei School Village” were performed to honor Mr. Tan’s steadfast contributions to his homeland during national crises, showcasing his glorious life journey. The performance provided a dynamic audio-visual experience that elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The choral suit was spearheaded by Jimei’s Publicity Department and Federation of Literary Art Circles, and created by renowned lyricists and composers from institutions like the Central Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Huaqiao University, and Xiamen University of Technology. Comprising twelve movements that narrate Mr. Tan’s journey from starting his business in Southeast Asia, leading Chinese community there against Japanese aggression, to returning to motherland for socialist construction, the work features diverse forms including mixed and children’s choruses and incorporates traditional Minnan folk music elements. Since its debut in 2019, it has been performed over 50 times and was funded by a special project for the cultural and artistic development in Xiamen city in 2024.

Teachers and Students Performed at the Concert

(Editor: Wei Linying)