The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently hosted “The Melody of Eternal Harmony” special concert at the Shaw Auditorium in celebration of its 35th Anniversary, drawing an audience of more than 600 HKUST faculty members, students, alumni, and members of the public.
As part of the commemorative events of the University’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, the concert brought together the Chinese Orchestra of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (ZJCM) and a number of internationally acclaimed musicians. Together, they delivered a captivating programme of Chinese orchestral masterpieces that seamlessly blended traditional heritage with contemporary elements. Showcasing exceptional artistry and profound cultural depth, the performance offered audiences a spectacular musical journey across time, celebrating the richness and enduring legacy of Chinese musical culture. The concert concluded with a specially arranged Chinese orchestral rendition of the HKUST Anthem, offering a heartfelt and enduring tribute in celebration of the University’s 35th anniversary.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, welcomed the delegation led by Prof. WANG Rui, President of the ZJCM, and expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chinese Orchestra of ZJCM for presenting this inspiring performance in this special concert in celebration of HKUST’s 35th anniversary. She remarked, “The true significance of an outstanding university extends far beyond academic discovery; it lies equally in bringing together ideas, culture, and community. While HKUST pursues excellence in scientific research and innovation, it has always been committed to holistic education. We firmly believe that music and the arts inspire students’ creativity and cultivate their humanistic spirit. Chinese traditional music is inclusive and expansive, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. Like ZJCM, HKUST is a young institution that both inherits historical wisdom and embraces the future with courage. We hope this music concert as a bridge to pave the way for further collaboration between our two institutions in the fruitful interplay of science, technology, and the arts.”
Conducted by renowned maestros WANG Fujian and ZHOU Zhan, the concert brought together an exceptional lineup of leading musicians, including world-renowned pipa virtuoso WU Man, erhu performer ZHANG Yongyin, baritone LIU Tao, pianist WU Junlin, and dizi (bamboo flute) master WEI Sijun. The performance featured a rich selection of works that blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression, including the Grand Music of Bells and Drums Guofeng; the Chinese orchestral work High Mountains and Flowing Water, Pining in Blue; the dizi concerto Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, and the piano concerto Memories of Jiangnan. Together, these performances showcase the diversity and richness of Chinese musical heritage while capturing the distinctive cultural charm of the Jiangnan region. During the encore session of the concert, the Chinese Orchestra of ZJCM performed a selection of beloved classics, including Horse Racing, Cantonese Music Thunder in a Drought, and the famous song The Pearl of the Orient, concluding with the Chinese orchestral rendition of the HKUST Anthem to bring the entire concert to a perfect close.
Founded as Zhejiang Province’s first undergraduate institution dedicated to music and the arts, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music is committed to fostering international musical exchange and collaboration and has established strategic alliances such as the China-CEEC Music Academies Union and the International Alliance of Arts Management. Since its founding, the Conservatory’s Chinese Orchestra has been repeatedly invited to perform at major events both in China and abroad, including the G20 Summit. In 2016, the Orchestra presented dedicated concerts in the Czech Republic and Austria. In recent years, it has also toured countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Mauritius, using music as a bridge for cultural exchange and earning wide acclaim.
The concert not only enriches HKUST’s 35th anniversary celebrations with cultural vibrancy, but also further strengthens cultural, artistic, and higher-education collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
