On the evening of Dec 31, 2024, Huaqiao University (HQU) celebrated the arrival of 2025 with a New Year Concert held at Lee Pik-tsong Music and Dance Building. The concert was also streamed live on HQU’s official video channels. Themed “Discovering the Beauty of Chinese Music”, it offered teachers and students at home and abroad an opportunity to explore and appreciate the elegance and richness of traditional Chinese music. Distinguished guests included HQU President Wu Jianping, President Assistant Zeng Zhixing, and former HQU leaders Guan Yifan and Zhu Qihuan.

The concert, hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC HQU Committee, Student Affairs Department and College of Music and Dance, featured a captivating performance by HQU Chinese Orchestra. It opened with “Dance of the Golden Snake”, a festive and joyful piece driven by soaring melodies and the powerful sounds of gongs and drums. The orchestra then showcased the diverse tapestry of Chinese folk music with pieces like “Jasmine”, “Reed Flower” and “Fishing Junks at Sunset”, each offering a unique perspective on traditional sounds.

A highlight of the evening was the performance of “Landscape of Fujian”, an original composition by Sun Jing, a teacher from College of Music and Dance. The piece ingeniously blends the ancient Fujian folk song “Tea-picking Girls Catching Butterflies” with modern musical elements, expressing a deep appreciation for the natural beauty in southern Fujian province. “Tonight marks the third performance of this piece, and I’m deeply honored by everyone’s enthusiasm.” said Sun Jing, adding that she hopes that the piece will introduce younger generations to the renewed charm of ancient Fujian musical culture.

Audience members from varied backgrounds expressed their excitement. “The fast tempo and powerful execution really struck a chord with me. I’m impressed by the music’s robust and unwavering energy!” enthused Pakistani teacher Hayatwaseem from the College of Chemical Engineering. “The performance really captured the essence of traditional Chinese melodies while filling everyone with New Year joy!” Meanwhile, Fu Suling, a second-year Indonesian graduate student from Chinese Language and Culture College reflected on the mesmerizing drum sequences: “Every beat was remarkable and inspiring.” She also brought over ten Chinese Indonesian teenagers who are currently on a study tour at HQU, inviting them to experience traditional Chinese music firsthand.

The HQU Chinese Orchestra, comprising more than 60 members, was directed by Professor Liang Jilin of the College of Music and Dance, who served as both the conductor and artistic guide for the evening. The orchestra has a distinguished history, having won first and second prizes in the instrumental music category at the 5th and 6th University Students Art Festival of Fujian Province. Beyond campus, the orchestra actively promotes Chinese culture internationally, having conducted exchanges, lectures, and performances in the Philippines and Malaysia on many occasions.

The Concert

(Editor: Wei Linying)