On December 15, ,the first “Children Singing China” Sino-foreign Cultural Exchange Activities guided by the Information Office of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government,, Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and other key organizations, took place at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music (SCCM). The event, organized by the Sichuan International Communication Center, drew an enthusiastic participation from both local and international students. Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) was invited to join, sending a delegation of international students to showcase their talents and further promote cultural exchange and integration between China and the world.
The day began with a visit to the Southwest Ethnic Minority Musical Instrument Exhibition Hall at SCCM. The hall displayed a vast collection of ethnic instruments, each steeped in rich cultural history and indigenous wisdom. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the international students attentively listened to the stories behind each instrument, learning about their origins, unique playing techniques, and significance in various cultural contexts. Many students expressed that the visit deepened their understanding of China’s diverse ethnic cultures and sparked their interest in exploring the country’s traditional music.
Destina Godwin playing the traditional slit drum
In the following segment, the international students had the opportunity to experience some of these traditional instruments firsthand. A stunning performance by SCCM students majoring traditional Chinese music set the stage, with a solo pipa (Chinese lute) performance of Ambush on All Sides receiving resounding applause. After the performance, the audience stood in admiration of the exceptional talent on display. International students from the Chengdu Montpellier International School played the yangqin (Chinese dulcimer), performing the popular children’s song Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star in a fusion of Western melody and Eastern instrumentation. Students from various countries then joined forces with SCCM students for a collective performance, blending traditional Chinese instruments with international innovation to create a vibrant and modern musical experience.
Zhou Ze playing guzheng (Chinese plucked zither)
The afternoon featured the highlight of the event—a spectacular concert at SCCM’s concert hall. CDUT’s international students actively participated, adding their distinctive global flair to the event. Hanane Ramdani, a Moroccan student, took the stage with a soulful rendition of the French song Ma Philosophie. Through her emotive voice, she conveyed her personal reflections on life, winning the audience’s heartfelt applause.
Hanane Ramdani singing a French song
Meanwhile, Nigerian student Ibrahim Kunle Adefarati performed his original song Your Love, captivating the crowd with his tender vocals and melodic warmth. His performance resonated with the universal themes of love and connection, further illustrating the power of music to unite across cultures.
Ibrahim Kunle Adefarati singing an original song
Pakistani students Khuzaima Saeed and Raza Ahmed teamed up to perform Pasoori (The Dilemma), a beloved traditional song from their homeland. Their powerful and passionate voices filled the hall, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and love for their native country, offering the audience a taste of Pakistan’s unique musical heritage.
Khuzaima Saeed and Raza Ahmed singing a duet
The event culminated in a collaborative performance of The Lights of China, a moving anthem that expresses love and admiration for China’s vast history and culture. As the performers stood united on stage, their collective voices soared, bringing the concert to a rousing conclusion. The audience rose in unison, applauding the remarkable performances that celebrated not only Chinese music but the spirit of international cooperation and cultural exchange.
Grand chorus
As a distinguished institution of higher learning, CDUT remains committed to its open and inclusive educational philosophy. The university actively embraces the principles outlined in General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on international student education, striving to implement the Belt and Road Initiative by cultivating talents who are knowledgeable about, friendly to, and in love with China. Moving forward, CDUT will continue to enhance the quality of its international education and promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.
