Romantic Heritage, Joyful Piano Island The 13th Gulangyu Pia

When the world's cultural heritage meets the enchanting sounds of piano music, the beautiful piano island of Gulangyu is set to welcome its annual musical feast. On September 30, the 13th Gulangyu Piano Art Week will officially kick off in Xiamen, organized by the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Fujian Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles. The event is supported by the Gulangyu-Wanshishan Scenic Area Management Committee, the Xiamen Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the Xiamen Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Siming District People's Government, and the Xiamen Radio and Television Group.As one of the key piano art brands in China and Asia, this year's Gulangyu Piano Art Week continues to establish itself as an internationally renowned piano art festival, guided by world-class masters and characterized by artistic elegance that resonates with the public. Focusing on the themes of branding, accessibility, and market orientation, the festival aims to compose a splendid chapter for Gulangyu through the stirring melodies of piano music.

The event will last for 7 days, featuring the theme "Romantic Heritage, Joyful Piano Island: OUR ISLAND, OUR PIANO." With 8 sections and over 50 events scheduled from September 30 to October 6, this National Day piano journey promises to deliver an auditory feast crafted from the magic of "black and white keys" against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.This year's Gulangyu Piano Art Week features an array of exquisite concerts, showcasing a selection of renowned international piano artists. Among the highlights is the opening concert titled "Piano Island’s Resonance," presented by the Canadian-Vietnamese pianist Dang Thai Son, acclaimed as the "Best Chopin in Asia." He will inaugurate the festival with this special symphonic performance. Additionally, the lineup includes several illustrious musicians: Michel Dalberto, a recipient of France's National Order of Honor; Sofia Gulyak, the first female winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition and the Princess Mary Gold Medal; Andrei Pisarev, a distinguished artist and head of the Piano Department at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory; and Artur Dutkiewicz, a celebrated jazz pianist and composer from Poland. These masters will grace the Gulangyu Music Hall with multiple solo performances, highlighting the boundless charm of music.

Furthermore, this year's concerts will also feature an organ performance section. Notable artists such as Lin Shaobin, an organ instructor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Jan Buck, who has performed organ recitals at renowned venues like Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris; Carolyn Robinson, organist and associate choir director at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta; and Hu Tingyin, who received the highest organ performance diploma in Finland while also achieving the top organist title, will perform at the Gulangyu Organ Art Center.

Highly anticipated high-end academic events will also make their debut, offering a rich variety of experiences. Masterclasses featuring renowned artists such as Michel Dalberto, Dang Thai Son, Jan Buck, and Elena Rozanova will be open to global participants, inviting music enthusiasts from around the world to embark on a musical journey together. Numerous lectures by distinguished musicians will be presented in an engaging format, blending experiential learning with cultural sharing to showcase the allure of music.

From October 1 to 6, the Gongzai Hou Beach will transform into an ocean of music each evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, treating citizens and visitors to a feast of familiar classic songs. Additionally, a variety of courtyard and square concerts will be held at venues such as Bagua Tower, Piano Pier Sunken Plaza, Concordia Chapel, Huang Rongyuan Hall (China Record Museum), Gulangyu Monet Garden, Mayor John Square, and Qishang Rongshe, creating interactive music cultural activities for all to enjoy. Notably, on the morning of October 1 at 10:00 AM, pianos across the island will simultaneously play "My Motherland and I," celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with its beautiful melody.

As the waves of Gulangyu whisper, the island invites friends through the universal language of music. The 13th Gulangyu Piano Art Week sets sail, transforming this UNESCO World Heritage site into a dazzling musical stage. It will once again draw the attention of musicians and piano enthusiasts from around the globe, showcasing the island’s brilliance as the "Piano Island" and "Island of Music." With its unique cultural charm and rich musical heritage, Gulangyu will contribute to the preservation and transmission of world cultural heritage, heralding a new chapter in global music culture.