The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

The 10th Anniversary Tribute Concert 

On the evening of November 24th, the 10th Anniversary Tribute Concert of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen was held as scheduled. Professor XU Yangsheng, the President of CUHK-Shenzhen, along with the university management, alumni from home and abroad, faculty, students, parents, and special guests gathered at the Shenzhen Concert Hall to enjoy an artistic feast jointly presented by the CUHK-Shenzhen Chorus, Chinese Orchestra, Orchestra, A Cappella Group, and faculty members from our School of Music. It is worth mentioning that the performance was broadcast live online that evening across multiple platforms, attracting 18,000 friends from both home and abroad to share in this musical feast.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and it is also the 11th annual concert organized by the University. In his speech, Professor XU Yangsheng said: “Tonight, we gather together to celebrate this grand event. It is a day of joy and gratitude. Looking back on the past decade, we are thankful for every step of growth, which could not have been achieved without your support and companionship. This concert is not only a celebration of our past achievements but also the starting point for our journey into the next decade, heralding the beginning of an even more splendid and colorful chapter.”

That evening, music became the bridge connecting the past and the future, unfolding a new movement for CUHK-Shenzhen. In the elegant melodies, we seemed to glimpse the brilliant vision of the university’s next decade, shining brightly and slowly unfurling in front of our eyes.

In this splendid concert, the Chorus of CUHK-Shenzhen took the stage first, opening the evening with the classic pieces Echo and River. The melody flowed like a gentle stream, lingering in the air, instantly drawing the audience closer, and creating a warm and touching atmosphere. Following that, the Chinese Orchestra of CUHK-Shenzhen wonderfully performed excerpts from the exuberant Celebration Overture, quickly igniting the atmosphere of the concert hall. Then, the affectionate The Moon Represents My Heart led everyone to softly hum along, evoking heartwarming memories, and adequately displaying the unique charm of Chinese music that touches the soul.

The A Cappella Group of CUHK-Shenzhen then took the stage, performing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and A Kiss From a Rose in the form of unaccompanied vocal performance, showcasing a rich musical texture that was enchanting to the audience. Thereafter, the faculty members from our School of Music performed the string quartet Eternal Friendship. With the seamless collaboration of violinists Shucong HE and Yoon Jung YANG, violist Andrew LING, and cellist Yiqiu CHEN, the four of them imbued the music with the warmth of life, and their deeply emotional and delicate performance struck a chord with the audience. The Orchestra then pushed the atmosphere to a climax with a performance of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Op. 96. The passionate and vivid musical language depicted the festive scene of people celebrating, igniting the enthusiasm of the audience present.

In the end, the grand finale featured our special guest, renowned tenor Professor SHI Yijie from the School of Music of CUHK-Shenzhen. He collaborated with the orchestra to preform the classic pieces O Sole Mio. and Funiculi, Funiculà. With his powerful and magnificent voice, and in seamless harmony with the orchestra members, Professor SHI brought out the profound emotions and historical depth of the Italian folk song O Sole Mio. He was then joined by the Chorus in the following two songs, bringing the concert to a new height with some brilliant mimicking of his quick and lighthearted singing in Funiculì, Funiculà and then for the last song, Because I Love You. Especially at the end of Because I Love You, the chorus’ harmonious voices filled every corner of the concert hall, conveying deep emotions and eager anticipation, moving the audience to the soul.

The 10th Anniversary Tribute Concert of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen concluded successfully amidst melodious songs and music. This concert not only showcased diverse artistic talents but also gathered the blessings and expectations of faculty, students, alumni, and all sectors of society. Together, everyone witnessed the remarkable achievements of the University in the past decade and looked forward to future new chapters filled with hope.

The parasol trees have withstood a decade of winds,

and by the lakeside, pines have grown for a century.

A night of songs still lingers in the air,

while students on campus keep forging ahead.

See you at the 2025 concert!

Replay:

https://wx.vzan.com/live/page/575762981v=1740968271606&ver=9bbd079a02be46db85a83ec22bff4756