2025 First Hong Kong International Yangqin Music Festival
A milestone moment for Hong Kong dulcimer art
On March 29, 2025, the first Hong Kong International Yangqin Music Festival will be grandly opened in Hong Kong! This grand event that brought together yangqin artists not only brought an audio-visual feast to the audience, but also left a significant mark in the history of Hong Kong music.
Morning competition: Hundreds of contestants compete for the pinnacle of piano skills
As the first single-instrument yangqin competition in Hong Kong's history, this year's music festival is divided into six categories based on age and level, from young performers to elementary and professional groups, with nearly a hundred contestants from Hong Kong and Macau competing on the same stage. The contestants have superb skills. Whether it is traditional classics or modern original pieces, the contestants have demonstrated the infinite possibilities of the yangqin with their superb skills, and have written a new chapter for the yangqin art in Hong Kong!
Afternoon forum: Famous experts gather to discuss the future of yangqin
The International Yangqin Art Federation President Ma Shien and Vice President He Xiaosong co-hosted the event, and industry authorities including Professor Zhan Jinniang of Minnan Normal University and Honorary President of the Asian Yangqin Association Wu Chaosheng were invited to engage in an in-depth dialogue: President Wu Chaosheng and Chen Guohui gave precise comments on "The First International Yangqin Art Federation Yangqin Ball - Tournament Commentary" and selected the dubbing for precise comments. In the session "Exploring the Application of Yangqin Teaching in Hong Kong", teachers Zhang Ruzhu and Chen Biyu proposed many innovative teaching ideas based on the current situation of music education in Hong Kong. Regarding "The Use of Yangqin in Cantonese Music and Creation of New Works", Professor Zhan Jinniang and Teacher Lai Yingbin from Taiwan, China, as Cantonese music performers from Hong Kong and Taiwan, shared their practical experience in using the yangqin in the integration of traditional and modern music, demonstrating the charm and potential of yangqin art. Young teachers Kwong Po-kei, Siu Chun-yin and Guo Jiaying from Macau, China shared "New Product Launch Sharing", which included the Jasmine Yangqin series and the newly published new-era Chinese Yangqin original works collection "The Great Wall Suite".
Evening concert: Gold medalists and famous artists on the same stage, a collision of diverse cultures
As night fell, the first Hong Kong International Yangqin Concert and Awards Ceremony officially opened. The most exciting moment was the announcement of the gold, silver and bronze medals in each category. We would like to thank Professor Bai Deyun, Head of the Department of Music at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Chairman Mei Guangqian, Chairman of the Hong Kong Composers' Guild, and other award presenters for attending the event, crowning the contestants and witnessing their highlight moments. The winning contestants received their awards from the award presenters, their joy and pride were beyond words.
Afterwards, representatives of the gold medal winners performed on the same stage with famous artists. Classic pieces included "The General's Order" performed by five generations of famous yangqin masters on the same stage. Their interpretation shone with new brilliance, allowing the audience to appreciate the perfect fusion of yangqin art inheritance and innovation. Later, the dialogue session between Iranian, British and Chinese dulcimers began. The Hong Kong premieres of "Silk Road and Dulcimer" and "Lancaster" showcased the collision of multiple cultures and led the development of dulcimer art into a new direction. At the end of the concert, the Hong Kong Yangqin Players Orchestra performed the Hong Kong premiere of Yu Yang's "Journey to the West" and Chairman Mei Guangqian's "With You" (world premiere) in the form of multi-national yangqin. The audience was lingering in the air and looked forward to the next music festival.
See you next time!
The first Hong Kong International Yangqin Music Festival focuses on innovation and inheritance, presenting a high-level artistic feast to the audience. Let us look forward to continuing our musical journey next time!