Melodies of the Silk Road Resound Across Campus
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of EdUHK’s Retitling with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble
On 28 April, the timeless spirit of the Silk Road was brought to life at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), as the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) Ensemble staged ‘The Silk Road’ concert in the Multifunctional Lecture Theatre of the New Academic Building. The performance added a rich cultural dimension to EdUHK’s 10th Anniversary of Retitling.
The concert was led by Artistic Advisor Chew Hee Chiat, Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of the HKCO, and featured Acting Principal Erhu Ms Xu Hui and Principal Suona Mr Ma Wai-him, along with other distinguished musicians. Students, staff, and members of the public could enjoy Chinese music at close quarters, experiencing its artistry and heritage across time and space.
Professor Pamela Leung Pui-wan, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, remarked that the University is celebrating a significant milestone this year – the 10th Anniversary of its retitling – and has curated a series of academic, cultural, and community activities to reflect on past achievements while looking ahead to future development. She noted that the concert was a part of the anniversary celebrations, and also a vivid reflection of EdUHK’s commitment to cultural education and diversified learning.
Professor Leung added that the HKCO has earned recognition as “a leader in Chinese music” and “a cultural ambassador of Hong Kong,” bringing performances that enrich the spirit and broaden students’ cultural horizons. She presented a certificate of appreciation to the orchestra on behalf of the University.
The performance was presented by the HKCO Ensemble under the theme ‘The Silk Road’, featuring a repertoire of Chinese orchestral classics. The programme included Dance Music of the Hu Nationality by renowned composer Mr He Zhanhao, excerpts from The Ancient Music of Qiuci Suite by Mr Zhou Ji, the Guanzi Concerto The Dream of Loulan (selected from the fourth movement of The Silk Road Fantasia Suite) by Professor Zhao Jiping, and The Silk Road by Ms Jiang Ying.
Each piece vividly conveys the richness of Chinese music. Among the highlights, The Ancient Music of Qiuci evoked the lively scenes of the ancient kingdom, while Mr Ma Wai-him’s solo in The Dream of Loulan captured the vast desert landscape with haunting guanzi tones, earning thunderous applause. Listeners were swept along by the music, immersed in the diverse arts of the ancient Silk Road.
After the performance, the Post-performance Meet-the-artist Sessions was conducted and moderated by Dr Michael Leung Chi-hin and Dr Philbert Li King-yue of the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts at EdUHK. Guests included Mr Chew Hee Chiat, as well as Ms Xu Hui and Mr Ma Wai-him, shared insights into the cultural roots of the repertoire, performance techniques, and the evolving directions of contemporary Chinese music, with the aim of deepening the audience’s appreciation of the art form.
Organised by the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, the concert brought professional-level performance to the campus, embodying EdUHK’s vision of ‘education through culture’. It also brought artistic expression to the New Academic Building, symbolising the University’s ongoing efforts to advance learning and teaching alongside cultural engagement.
Looking ahead, EdUHK will continue to present more cultural events, including ‘The Hero’s Quest’ concert on 22 and 23 May, presented by HKCO and titled sponsored by EdUHK, and a community performance at Pacific Place on 6 September featuring students, alumni, and local groups, extending the reach of arts and culture beyond campus.
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