Inside the serene grounds of the Temple of Heaven in downtown Beijing, a historic hall reverberated with melodies old and new during a recent concert event.
The program featured a selection of East-West classics, from the haunting "Seven Chinese Folk Songs" to a graceful performance of Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A Major. Pianists Meng Huaying and Wang Tianyou joined forces with cellist Wang Jian and a cohort of international musicians to weave a musical tapestry bridging cultures and centuries.
Set against the backdrop of 15th-century architecture, the concert underscored how ancient venues can spark fresh creative dialogue. Attendees—from local art students to digital nomads—witnessed improvisations that married pentatonic Chinese melodies with Western harmonic structures, a testament to innovative programming that resonates with today’s global audiences.
The evening also marked the premiere of a new documentary tracing the artistic journey of Yu Long, founder of the Beijing Music Festival. From his studies abroad to his role as a cultural ambassador, the film charts Yu’s mission to break down musical barriers and foster cross-continental collaborations.
As the final chords faded beneath the temple’s ornate eaves, the night proved that music remains a universal passport—uniting ears and hearts across continents and generations.
Reference(s):
Temple of Heaven comes alive with classics across continents
cgtn.com
