Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special concert, Echoes of Twenty Years, held at the Yuehe Building Concert Hall on 17 October. Bringing together traditional Chinese music, Western classical works and contemporary arrangements, the evening showcased the musical talents of NCG's School of Art and its commitment to enriching campus life through culture and the arts.
The concert was attended by President Tao Tang, Party Secretary Ruan Yingdong, leaders of NCG, invited guests, alumni representatives, and faculty and students from across the College.
In his opening address, Party Secretary Ruan welcomed the guests and highlighted NCG's continued efforts to strengthen campus culture and integrate the arts into education. He noted that the College has placed increasing emphasis on creating an environment where cultural experiences and artistic expression contribute to students' personal growth and development.
The programme opened with Dragon Soaring and Tiger Leaping, an energetic Chinese instrumental ensemble piece, followed by the delicate melodies of Pipa Melody. Performed by faculty and students from the School of Art, the contrasting works offered a celebration of China's musical heritage.
A series of vocal and instrumental performances then took the audience across different musical traditions. The lyrical Spring Breeze Across Ten Thousand Miles was followed by violin and piano performances of Schön Rosmarin (Fair Rosemary) and As Gentle as a Song, highlighting the expressive interplay between the two instruments.
The programme also explored the rhythmic possibilities of percussion and piano. A marimba solo of Summer in Buenos Aires brought lively rhythms to the stage, while Champagne Toccata, performed by eight hands on two pianos, featured intricate musical exchanges and an energetic interplay between the performers.
Familiar melodies provided moments of warmth and nostalgia. A performance of Moonlight Shines, based on the traditional Cantonese children's song Yuet Gwong Gwong, recalled the simplicity and affection of childhood. A piano performance of Three Preludes explored the meeting of jazz and classical styles, while Youth Dance brought together a Xinjiang folk melody, angklung and African drums in a lively cross-cultural arrangement.
Opera and chamber music added further variety to the evening. Faculty members from the School of Art performed Mozart's Là ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni, followed by the humorous Cat Duet, bringing both elegance and light-heartedness to the stage.
A quartet of piano, violin, viola and cello then performed the fourth movement of Brahms's Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, showcasing the richness and interplay of classical chamber music.
The concert concluded with Singkap Siaga, performed by the Yangqun Choir. The ensemble's blended voices and layered harmonies brought the programme to a fitting close.
More than a celebration of NCG's first two decades, Echoes of Twenty Years reflected the place of music and the arts in the College's educational vision. Through performances spanning different cultures and musical traditions, the concert brought the NCG community together to celebrate its shared journey and the role of artistic expression in campus life.
