Chinese Folk Music Concert in Stuttgart on Sept. 18

On September 18, 2024, Stuttgart hosted a significant Chinese folk music concert named "Eternal Jiangnan," organized by the Jiangsu International Culture Association. This event was part of the "Jiangsu Week of Chinese Folk Music" and aimed to celebrate the cultural ties between Jiangsu Province in China and Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany, marking the 30th anniversary of their friendship. Alongside the concert, an exhibition titled "The Grand Canal Meets the Rhine River" showcased the cultural connections between the two regions. The concert featured a captivating performance by German violinist Ulrich Edelmann and Chinese erhu player Zhu Changyao, who played the renowned piece "Butterfly Lovers" alongside Mozart's "Serenade for Strings in G Major." This collaboration not only highlighted the beauty of Chinese folk music but also introduced Edelmann to a new musical experience, which he found incredibly enriching. The audience responded enthusiastically, demonstrating their appreciation through applause. Hans Peter Graether, a devoted admirer of Chinese culture, attended the concert and expressed his passion for such events, having traveled to China over 100 times. His presence underscored the growing interest in Chinese culture within Germany. The concert's success is seen as a stepping stone towards deeper cultural exchanges between the two nations, fostering a stronger partnership. Officials from Jiangsu expressed hope that this event would lead to more fruitful outcomes in cultural and people-to-people exchanges, enhancing the relationship between Jiangsu and Baden-Wuerttemberg. The concert not only celebrated music but also symbolized the ongoing collaboration and friendship between China and Germany.