The Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra on Monday presented the second performance of \"Kah Kee Letters · 2963,\" a symphonic drama honoring the life and legacy of Tan Kah Kee, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educator.
Hosted at Jiannan Hall at Xiamen University in Fujian Province, \"Kah Kee Letters · 2963\" commemorates the 150th anniversary of Tan Kah Kee's birth, celebrating his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent businessman, educator, and national figure. Revered as the \"banner of overseas Chinese and the glory of the nation,\" Tan dedicated his wealth and efforts to advancing education. He founded Xiamen University in 1919, which remains a prestigious institution in China today.
The production featured a unique blend of symphonic music, poetry recitation, and theatrical storytelling. The title \"Kah Kee Letters · 2963\" refers to Tan's family letters and the asteroid numbered 2963, named in his honor, symbolizing his lasting influence in China and overseas.
Bringing Tan Kah Kee's inspirational story to life
The symphonic drama is structured around the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, which adds layers of symbolism and richness to Tan's story, allowing it to be told in a meaningful and evocative way.
Fang Yi, President of Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed his pride in presenting Tan Kah Kee's life story through this unique symphonic drama. During an interview with CGTN, he noted the creative challenge of condensing such an extraordinary life into a two-hour performance.
Reference(s):
Symphonic drama honors Tan Kah Kee's 150th anniversary in Xiamen
cgtn.com
