Music and cultural exchange took center stage as the Central Conservatory of Music of China and the St. Petersburg State Conservatory of Russia, named after composer N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908), deepened their partnership through a series of performances, masterclasses and academic events from June 1 to 4.
A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the China-Russia Traditional Music Exchange and Development Center, jointly established by the two institutions.
The center was officially unveiled on June 2 at St. Petersburg's historic Glazunov Concert Hall, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and creating a long-term platform for collaboration in music creation, performance, education, and research.
The initiative comes as China and Russia launch the China-Russia Years of Education, the first national thematic program dedicated to educational cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, Chinese and Russian musicians shared the stage in a chamber music concert and a symphonic concert, in which works from both countries were performed by a joint ensemble under the baton of Alexey Vasilyev, the rector of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov. Among the highlights was the erhu concerto Love of the Mengshan and Yishui Rivers, led by renowned Chinese musician and president of the Central Conservatory of Music, Yu Hongmei.
The delegation also brought music into the classroom, with Chinese faculty members offering masterclasses and lectures on traditional Chinese instruments and musical heritage. The exchanges provided students and teachers from both countries with opportunities for deeper artistic dialogue and mutual learning.
Looking ahead, the new center plans to support joint creative projects, touring performances and the introduction of traditional Chinese instrumental courses at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov, further strengthening cultural ties through music and education.
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