Annual Concert of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

Convey Gratitude via Music

     This year marks the third anniversary of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (“University”). On the evening of November 19, the annual concert was held in Shenzhen Concert Hall. Friends from all walks of life who have consistently supported the development of the University, principals from key middle schools, teachers and alumni at home and abroad, students and their parents gathered to enjoy the charm of music.

      The concert was a huge one. Shenzhen High School Symphony Orchestra, famous conductor Mr. Zhang Ruodi and special guest Mr. HU Sileng were invited to join the University Orchestra and the faculty choir to give an excellent performance.

      The first piece of music brought audience to a lake under the moonlight. The brisk rhythm and the soft and melancholy melody told us stories about "Swan Lake: Scene" "A Dialogue on Flowers" and "Symphony No. 4". Zhang Xiang, an SSE year 2 student of the University, and Liu Han, an SME year 3 student of the University, and Shenzhen Senior High School Symphony Orchestra and famous conductor Zhang Ruodi, collaborated to present a performance embodying gratitude and inheritance. This is significant as Mr. Zhang and Mr. Liu Han have studied in Shenzhen High School where they played first and second violin, respectively. Mr. Zhang said, "As a performer, I was moved because I was able to connect my high school orchestra with the University Orchestra to bring a fantastic show to our audience.” The University values students’ gratitude, and it organizes "Trips to Alma Mater for Gratitude” every time Christmas comes around to encourage students to visit their former high school teachers.

Mr. Hu Sileng was a special guest from Inner Mongolia. He is a monthly champion and quarterly champion of "Xing Guang Da Dao" – China’s Walk of Fame. His solos “Swan Geese “and “Welcome to the Grassland “enjoyed thunderous applause. When he sang “Those Were the Days” together with Jolin Jiang, an SSE year 1 student, the concert climaxed. Jolin Jiang once performed at the welcome dinner of the University. She mesmerized the audience with her soprano and showed no stage fright when singing with a professional, a perfect example of holistic education of the University.

Finally, chorus songs Pie Jesu, Let It Go, Just Once and A Green World presented by students and faculty brought the concert to an end.

The gratitude themed concert moved the audience with its diverse genres of music and high level performances considering that the University has only about 2,000 students. A parent reflected that "We are moved and have all sorts of feelings. Time and time again, the University has surprised us. We wonder what will come next.”