Guilin’s landscape meets Andersen’s fairy tales, the blend of landscape and art enhances friendship
On the evening of October 13, the “Andersen Fairy Tales – A Musical Cultural Exchange” event took place in Guilin, bringing together artists from Guilin and Denmark. This gathering showcased a remarkable fusion of music from diverse cultural perspectives, resulting in an extraordinary audio-visual feast.
As the colorful lights illuminated Ronghu Lake on a crisp autumn night, the air was filled with melodious singing. Matin Cholewa, a horn player from the Royal Danish Orchestra, could not resist the enchanting sounds and made his way to the lakeside shortly after settling in.
“Even though we don’t speak the same language, music creates a profound connection between us. My experience in Guilin began beautifully through my collaboration with erhu performers,” Matin shared. He expressed admiration not only for the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin but also for the warmth and friendship reminiscent of Andersen’s fairy tales that he felt among the locals.
Amid the stunning scenery, artists came together to share their musical talents, showcasing the guzheng, guqin, pipa, as well as the horn, piano, and guitar. Each unique performance allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the depth of Eastern music and the elegance of Western styles.
“It’s been 50 years since my last performance in Denmark, and now, welcoming Danish artists into my home fills me with pride and warmth. I believe that the bridge of cultural exchange built through music can help spread our Chinese culture even further,” remarked Ma Yisong, a celebrated artist in Guilin opera and a national一级 actor.
During the event, Guangxi Arts and Crafts Master Zeng Dajun, who led children in a singing performance, emphasized that this exchange was more than just a musical journey; it was an opportunity for children to enhance their understanding and respect for each other’s cultures. “Experiencing different musical styles allows children to learn from one another and broadens their artistic perspectives,” he noted.
Mao Junxuan, president of the Denmark-China Sports and Culture Association, has lived in Denmark for 18 years. She frequently organizes events for local residents to experience Chinese sports and traditional culture. “The charm of culture transcends borders. I hope people from different backgrounds can spark new cultural creativity and artistic inspiration through these exchanges, fostering friendship in the process,” Mao commented.
