On 11 December 2024, the Guangdong Chinese Orchestra visited Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) and conducted a series of activities focused on Chinese folk music exchange.

The event was hosted by Ms. Huang Jianzhen, the Director of XMUM Art Troupe. She warmly welcomed the Guangdong Chinese Orchestra and briefly introduced the background of the XMUM Yanan Orchestra Club.

The event was carried out in three parts:

First, XMUM Yanan Orchestra Club performed two songs: “Transporting Goods to and from the Mountain” (挑山) and “Fisherman’s Song” (渔歌).

Moving on, Mr. Cao Yurong, the leader of Guangdong Chinese Orchestra introduced the orchestra’s background and current situation, then invited the musicians to perform five songs, including “Entertainment in Peace” (娱乐升平), “Thunder in Dry Weather” (旱天雷), “Birds Returning to Forest” (鸟投林), “Raindrops on Banana Leaves” (雨打芭蕉), and “Song of the Pheonix” (百鸟朝凤).

After the performances, there was an interactive Q&A session. Members from the Yanan Chinese Orchestra Club raised questions to the Guangdong musicians, such as techniques for better coordination among sections during rehearsals. The professional musicians not only provided detailed answers but offered one-on-one guidance to the students as well.  

Coming to the end of the event, the two orchestras joined forces to perform “Transporting Goods to and from the Mountain” together.

While celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Malaysia, this music exchange meeting not only showcased the high standards of Chinese folk music but also provided valuable guidance for the development of the university’s Chinese Orchestra Club. The students expressed their gratitude for the experience and look forward to more opportunities for exchange and learning in the future.