In July, the sea breeze on Gulangyu transports melodic sounds as it navigates among the red rooftops and lush greenery. This world cultural heritage site, known as the "Piano Island," kicked off the 6th Gulangyu Music Festival on July 12.
A Diverse Musical Atmosphere: “Piano Island” Through the Eyes of Ludger Lohmann
Strolling through the streets and alleys of Gulangyu, you might stumble upon an impromptu performance at any moment. The elegance of Western classical music meets the vitality of local melodies here, creating a unique musical tapestry. Ludger Lohmann, a titan in the international organ community and renowned German organist, has been deeply moved by his experience as a new member of this year’s Gulangyu "Island Resident Artist Program".
“I was surprised to see that there are so many young woman who can play the organ so well,” Luman remarked.
This international maestro highly praised Gulangyu’s embrace of diverse music: “I think the island has been developed more, but also the way people react to the presence of Organ Art Center now is much better, there is much more reception by general public, so that is quite amazing.”
Flowing Melodies: Shi Yijie’s Encounter with “Island-wide Stage”
Renowned tenor Shi Yijie presents a special concert of Chinese vocal works, "YISHITINGSHENG ——Chinese Vocal Music Recital" “After living in Europe for over a decade, I often feel a surreal overlap of time and space while strolling on Gulangyu Island—one moment, it feels like I’m wandering the streets of Europe; then, turning a corner and seeing the dovetail ridges of traditional Minnan houses, I’m instantly transported back to the East.”
Describe the musical vibe of Gulangyu in one word? Shi Yijie selected the term "flowing" to describe the integration of music into daily life. He remarked, "In this context, music is intricately interwoven with the essence of existence. I've heard that each household possesses its unique musical heritage and frequently organizes family concerts. Furthermore, the pathway leading to the concert hall is adorned with musical notes, signifying that music has become an intrinsic element of the very atmosphere."
When talking about the unique feature of Gulangyu, where “the whole island is a stage,” Shi Yijie believes this represents a breakthrough in the boundaries of art: “The constraints of traditional theaters are broken, giving artists creative freedom, but also presenting them with deeper challenges.” Music returns to being an 'environmental art,' where performers and audience together create artistic expression through real-time interaction.
Revitalizing World Heritage Architecture: Savoring the Sea Breeze in Carmen
“We hope that through an art form like this, we can introduce Gulangyu’s musical culture to the world, showcase the island’s World Heritage preservation efforts, and highlight the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures that takes place here.” Liao Changyong, the president of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, surveyed the full audience with a tone imbued with confidence regarding this novel format.
Feng Haoran, a doctoral student at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music who plays Don José in Carmen, believes that this clash of Eastern and Western cultures is precisely what makes this performance so special. "The audience can experience our heartbeat, our emotions, hatred, and love up close," he said.
When audiences from all over the world sit on the century-old steps and applaud to the same melody, the story of Gulangyu is no longer just a memory of the past, but an ongoing cultural resonance.
Rhythms on the Beach: Good Flow Returns to Gulangyu Island
"Performing on the beach by the sea has a special kind of vibe," said Chen Han, lead singer of Taipei Rainland. On the evening of the 12th, his collaboration with original musician Chainhaha on Good Flow resonated with the entire audience. This award-winning piece was created in February during the Young Musicians' Songwriting Camp, co-written by Chen Han and Chainhaha during their collaborative fieldwork and songwriting on Gulangyu Island. “I took a special trip to Gulangyu today and felt a really warm, cozy vibe.” During an interview, Chainhaha shared, "While creating this song, we got to know each other better. It was really exciting to perform together on stage again. We all really wanted to connect and spark new ideas together."
“The sea breeze, together with this song, perfectly captures the laid-back and relaxing vibe of Gulangyu.” Ms. Chen, a local resident, said in an interview.
Boundless Symphony: A Musical Dialogue of World Heritage
The 6th Gulangyu Music Festival exemplified the harmonious coexistence of various musical genres, ranging from the grand resonance of the organ and the nuanced expression of vocal compositions to the lively energy of pop melodies and the impromptu performances of street artists. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gulangyu Island embodies the true meaning of cultural fusion through its music.
This small island serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a vibrant repository of musical heritage. Each melody narrates a tale of interaction between Eastern and Western civilizations. As the notes gracefully traverse the red-tiled rooftops and the azure waves of the sea, Gulangyu employs music as a conduit to demonstrate the boundless potential of cultural symbiosis to a global audience.