Oxford’s historic Holywell Music Room became a stage for cross-cultural harmony this week as the Art Beyond Borders Initiative (ABBI) hosted a groundbreaking musical fusion. The concert showcased Peking Opera traditions, Indian classical rhythms, and Arabic poetic melodies, reflecting the UK city’s role as a hub for global artistic exchange.
Highlights included soprano Betty Yan and pianist Yuchen Zhang’s rendition of Chinese art song 'A Bird Singing in the Wind', blending operatic techniques with contemporary arrangements. Indian vocalist Aastha Mohapatra’s 'Song of Radha' elevated ancient Raag patterns to modern audiences, while the Arabic-inspired 'Aatini Al Naya Wa Ghanni' paid tribute to Khalil Gibran’s poetic legacy.
ABBI organizers emphasized the event’s mission to create 'dialogue through shared creativity.' Audience members described the experience as 'a reminder of how art transcends language,' with many celebrating the innovative pairing of distinct cultural forms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com