First PKU International Music Festival held
Jul 07, 2023
Editor's note: The Peking University International Summer Institute (PKUISI) is set to restart in the summer of 2023. The summer school is gaining significant attention both domestically and internationally due to the high expectations of international students and collaborating colleges from overseas. This year PKU eagerly embraces more than 1,200 students from over 60 countries and regions worldwide to join the PKUISI.
Peking University, July 7, 2023: Organized by PKU’s Office of International Relations, the opening ceremony of the first edition of the "Peking University International Music Festival" and the Peking University International Summer Institute took place on July 6, 2023, at the First Gymnasium, coinciding with Peking University's “Global Engagement Year.” People from diverse nations and regions and ethnicities were brought together through melodies, as music serves as the universal language of mankind. In the post-pandemic period, this event aims to showcase to international students the openness, integration, tolerance, and youthful spirit of Peking University through multilingual music programs, transcending national and religious boundaries to represent world-class culture and art.
PKU's Global Engagement Year incorporates five development strategies and ten action plans. The objective of these initiatives is to diligently implement the "communication efficiency enhancement strategy," put the communication upgrade plan into practice, and foster an international campus culture, making the university a hub for attracting diverse talents and fostering world-class intellect.
The inaugural PKU International Music Festival and the 2023 PKU International Summer Institute were inaugurated on stage by PKU President Gong Qihuang, Vice President Wang Bo, and other prominent officials. The event attracted over 3,200 attendees, with approximately 1,000 participants from the PKU International Summer Institute. The organizers had made significant efforts to maintain a well-organized environment and allow the audience to fully appreciate the magnificence and passion of the PKU International Music Festival.
The music event commenced at 19:30, with public entry starting at 18:00. Participants were encouraged to arrive early to fully enjoy the outstanding performances due to the anticipated crowd. The outdoor arena consisted of six distinct entry zones to prevent overcrowding and confusion. The organizers ensured that all required supplies were provided in an efficiently run event.
Many recently graduated students from Peking University greatly appreciated this event during their graduation season and felt nostalgic about leaving this esteemed institution. While they were excited about their future challenges, they cherished the wonderful experiences they had at the university.
Peking University welcomed a substantial number of foreign participants for exchange programs and the summer school. The summer school not only offered opportunities to expand social networks and gain new learning experiences, but also provided various academic and extracurricular activities. The participants thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable occasion and expressed gratitude for the administration's efforts in creating a memorable event.
In light of this being the PKU Global Engagement Year, the leadership of the organization is emphasizing greater global cooperation in all areas. The performers in the event were predominantly current Peking University students, with the exception of one singer who was an alumnus of PKU. They delivered outstanding performances for the staff, students, and visitors from China and other countries.
All participants unanimously agree that this summer event will be etched in their memories forever. The interaction between the performers and the audience was harmonious and created an unforgettable experience.
Feedback from students:
Jawad Shabbir (Kashmir, Pakistan): I really like outstanding performance of PKU singers and all the performers. It was undoubtedly a lovely evening of music and fun. The audience was thrilled with joy and the location was incredibly beautiful. I appreciate the efforts made by the PKU International Summer Institute and all other collaborating divisions to put on the "Peking University International Music Festival 2023".
Crystal Ho (Malaysia): I took part in the planning and on-site backstage work for the international music festival as a PKUISI student assistant. Being moved by how well our ideal music festival held the moment. The weather was extremely hot these two days, and everyone rehearsed hard under the sun. From dry to sweaty, day to night. We were pleasantly surprised by the music festival's atmosphere. It makes me extremely glad to participate in this event, to demonstrate youth and vitality alongside them, and to witness the inclusivity and openness of Peking University with friends from around the globe. Thanks for the warm support of the teachers and students, and thanks for the hard work of the preparatory team!
Kaila Davidson (USA): I’m student of East Asian Studies and Linguistics. Peking University had a fantastic evening concert of live performers and global music. Being an international summer exchange student, this was a fantastic experience and something I will never forget! The atmosphere was outstanding and I was so excited to have had the opportunity to partake!
Li Mingyang (China): The scene at this international music festival was amazing! I consider myself really fortunate to be able to attend this music festival as a summer school student! I love Peking University! I hope PKU is getting better and better, looking forward to more activities!
Angel Hu (China): This was my first time attending a music festival, and I was fortunate to be able to enjoy such high-quality performances right on campus. The entire atmosphere of the music festival was lively, and the organization was smooth. It was a very fantastic night, with wonderful weather, beautiful songs and everyone's laughter.
Written by: Jawad Shabbir
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Photos by: International Students Division, Office of International Relations
