The 2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival Academic Symposium Successfully Held
On April 28, 2024, the 2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival Academic Symposium was successfully held at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. The conference brought together nearly sixty experts and scholars from the Central Conservatory of Music, China Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Xi'an Conservatory of Music, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, Harbin Conservatory of Music, as well as industry leaders such as Poly Culture Group Corporation Limited, Xi'an Performing Arts Group, Shanghai International Arts Festival, and OCT Group. The symposium featured three high-level roundtable discussions, centered on the theme of "Belt and Road" cultural exchanges in music education, performing arts, and other perspectives. At the event, participants engaged in a dialogue of cutting-edge viewpoints, sharing insights and future prospects.
Group photo of the 2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival Academic Symposium
That evening, at the concert hall of Run Run Shaw International Conference Centre, CUHK-Shenzhen, artists from the Xinjiang Arts University's Traditional Chinese Music Department presented a stunning "Muqam Special Concert". The performance showcased traditional ethnic instruments and songs, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Western Regions and evoking the historic allure of the Silk Road. The audience was captivated by the distinctive artistry, and the concert concluded with applause.
Performance scene of the Xinjiang Arts University Muqam Special Concert
"The 2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival will strive to create a broad platform for collaboration, communication, and cultural exchange, spotlighting the diverse national music and arts of 'Belt and Road' participating countries and regions," said Xiaogang YE, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chairman of the China Musicians Association, and Dean of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen. "This festival will contribute positively to fostering a shared future for humanity."
Opening speech by Xiaogang YE, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chairman of the China Musicians Association, and Dean of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen
Since its establishment in 2017, the Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival has become a significant cultural brand, promoting mutual understanding and integration among countries and regions participating in the "Belt and Road" Initiative. This academic symposium was organized to reflect on past experiences, deepen cultural exchanges from a musical perspective, and strengthen cultural understanding under the "Belt and Road" Initiative.
In 2023, the School of Music at CUHK-Shenzhen officially became the executing organizer of the festival. Last year's edition featured 35 platforms, 59 high-quality performances, and 14 public outreach and educational programs, receiving extensive coverage in mainstream media. The festival’s influence has continued to grow, cementing its role as a key stage for cultural and artistic dialogue among nations and fostering cross-cultural learning.
2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival Academic Symposium
Looking ahead to 2024, China is preparing for a year filled with significant diplomatic milestones. "The foundation of international friendship lies in strong connections between people," said Dean YE. The 2024 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival will embark on a new journey, striving to create a world-class music festival with high standards and global reach. By continuing to promote the spirit of the Silk Road, the festival will invite renowned composers, performers, singers, and ensembles from around the world to gather in Shenzhen. At the same time, the festival will engage in comprehensive city marketing efforts to enhance international communication and share the stories of China, the Greater Bay Area, and Shenzhen.
"Through the universal language of music and art, we will showcase the spirit of Shenzhen, honoring this city with world-class performances and making it shine even brighter on the global stage," Dean YE concluded. "This is the greatest aspiration of the Music Festival."
