The inaugural China-Malaysia Youth Chinese Orchestra Exchange Camp was successfully held at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) from 12 to 15 February, attracting over 80 performers from XMUM, Tsinghua University, UTAR and the University of Malaya to share their passion for traditional Chinese music.

Organized by XMUM and co-organized by Tsinghua University & UTAR, the four-day camp featured orchestra rehearsals, skill workshops, cultural exchanges, and a grand closing performance. Participants collaborated in rehearsing and performing classic Chinese orchestral pieces, showcasing the profound artistic heritage and regional characteristics of Chinese orchestral music.

In her opening speech, XMUM Vice President Zhang Ying highlighted the flourishing development of Chinese orchestral music in Malaysia, noting its popularity among different ethnic groups. She also expressed hope that the exchange camp would serve as a platform for young musicians from both countries to learn from each other and contribute to the international recognition of Chinese orchestral music.

"Music transcends borders. I hope all participants use Chinese orchestral music as a bridge to strengthen friendships and broaden their international perspectives."

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One of the key highlights of the camp was the formation of a cross-university orchestra, where musicians from different institutions came together as a unified ensemble. Wu Haolin, leader of the Tsinghua University Chinese Orchestra, shared, "Playing in a newly formed orchestra with musicians from different universities not only enhances our performance skills but also helps us build deep friendships through collaboration."

On 15 February, Resonance, the closing performance, was held at XMUM. The event featured musicians from four universities along with members of the Malaysia Century Chinese Orchestra, marking a memorable conclusion to the exchange camp while injecting new vitality into the global promotion of Chinese orchestral music.

"Spreading Chinese culture overseas is not just about passing down music; it is about preserving emotions and history," remarked Lyu Jianqiang, the advisor of Tsinghua University Chinese Orchestra. He spoke highly of the development of Chinese orchestral music in Malaysia and encouraged young musicians to engage in more exchanges to expand their musical horizons.

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Huang Jianzhen, Director of the XMUM Arts Troupe, emphasized the role of university students as pioneers in Chinese orchestral cultural exchange. "When university students actively engage in cultural exchanges and learning, not only do they improve personally, but the understanding of Chinese orchestral music among Malaysians and the global Chinese diaspora will also deepen."

Yeo Jia Che, Chairperson of the event organizing committee from XMUM Advertising programme, hopes that the camp would mark the beginning of a new era for Chinese orchestral music exchange between the two countries.

"We look forward to hosting the second and third editions of this event, paving the way for a thriving future of Chinese orchestral music in Malaysia." 

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