Wuxi and foreign musicians pose for a group photo in Vienna, Austria. [Photo by He Canling for en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The China-Austria Music Exchange took place on Feb 26 at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, featuring a cultural exchange between three young performers from the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra and four international musicians.
The event began with a lively, spirited ensemble performance of traditional Chinese music. Following this, the young musicians from the Wuxi orchestra performed pieces such as Wuxi Scenery, The Beauty of Taihu Lake, and Jasmine Flower. The delicate, melodious sounds of traditional Chinese instruments vividly captured the grace and dynamism of the Jiangnan water towns.
In response, the international musicians presented classics like Hungarian Dances and performed Chinese compositions, demonstrating their appreciation and respect for Chinese culture.
A highlight of the event was the Instrumental Dialogue segment. Musicians expressed a range of emotions with their instruments and attempted to mimic those emotions using one another's instruments, finding resonance amid their differences. Chinese musicians also used notes to portray the Jiangnan water towns, while international musicians sketched Alpine landscapes through melodies.
The event concluded with a joint performance of the Chinese classic Horse Racing, whose rousing melody brought the atmosphere to a climax.
This event was a key stop on the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra's 2026 European tour. It marked an innovative step in cultural exchange between China and Austria, allowing Austrian students to experience firsthand the modern vitality and profound heritage of Chinese folk music.
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