China-Europe art exchange event held in Qingzhen

On July 18, the China-Europe Art Exchange Global Communication and Diplomacy Event made its way to Qingzhen city in Guiyang. Six European music artists gathered at the Lanbai village in Hongfenghu town, harmonizing the melody of friendship.

As they approached the village, the melodious Bouyei folk songs welcomed the guests. Local villagers warmly greeted the artists with "door-blocking liquor" etiquette, offering them the utmost hospitality.

The European music artists drink the "door-blocking liquor". [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

The performance of local opera left the artists in awe, with one remarking that it was "Absolutely stunning!" They showed an active interest in the opera, inquiring about the themes and symbols, and participated in drumming and gong-playing, immersing themselves in the art form's unique charm.

Eugene Griffin, a musical theater actor from the Royal College of Music in the UK, even tried on the local opera masks, expressing his excitement, "In such an environment, these masks seem to narrate a unique story. They are incredibly intricate and powerful."

The European music artists enjoy a local opera performance. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

In the Landiao courtyard, these international guests savored local delicacies, experiencing the unique flavors. "I've never had blueberry wine before. Its texture and richness are somewhat like red wine, but with a distinct blueberry flavor. I really enjoy it," remarked Bogdan Skrypka, a percussionist from the Royal College of Music.

The event concluded with the guests attentively listening to Qingzhen artists performing the violin and guzheng and singing songs, their eyes filled with admiration and eager anticipation as they were deeply immersed in the captivating melodies.

This event aims to encourage the European artists and local musicians in Guizhou to create innovative cross-cultural musical pieces by integrating Chinese traditional instruments and Western classical music elements, and use new media platforms to narrate Guizhou stories and convey the voice of China globally.