Can you imagine a duet of the saxophone and the Chinese suona horn?
Do you think artificial intelligence can write better songs than humans?
What happens when the traditional guqin instrument meets new media art?
How does an American composer write music based on classical Chinese poetry?
The answers to all these questions, and more, are revealed on CGTN The Stage. Whether you are a fan of music and art, a history buff, a technophile, or simply someone interested in intercultural communication, you are likely going to find a topic of interest in the show.
The special program CGTN The Stage aims to use music to build a bridge of dialogue between China and other countries. Emerging young talents from around the world come together to seek new inspiration through music fusion and genuine conversation.
Six musicians from around the world share their stories and expertise on CGTN The Stage. /CGTN
They are Chinese pianist Tian Jiaxin, American composer Niccolo Athens, Chinese guzheng artist Lucy Luan, Armenian violinist Astrid Poghosyan, American musician Jacob Charles and Cameroonian artist Abbe Simon.
The six artists gather on CGTN The Stage to explore music cultures from different backgrounds and perspectives, discuss the influence of AI on music creation, and spur the exchange and mutual learning of Chinese and international music cultures.
On the show, each guest shares stories of intercultural music creation and brings dazzling performances. For example, the traditional Chinese guqin tune "Plum Blossom" is rearranged and rendered by the guzheng, the electric guitar, and African drums, adding modern beats to the ancient melody.
The combination of traditional Chinese instruments, classical Western instruments and African percussion renders the poetic tenderness of Chinese folk song "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon."
International musicians perform "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon" on CGTN The Stage. /CGTN
An American composer's string quartet arrangement of a Sichuan folk song resonates with a wide audience.
International musicians perform "Waiting for the Pagoda Blossom" on CGTN The Stage. /CGTN
An improvised guqin and piano performance results in an audio-visual feast, thanks to the input of new media technology.
The instrumental ensemble of "Auld Lang Syne" toasts to a close friendship among international friends.
International musicians perform "Auld Lang Syne" on CGTN The Stage. /CGTN
And…two Gen-Z students from the China Conservatory of Music carry out a jaw-dropping duet of the saxophone and the suona.
Ancient Chinese people used "high mountains and flowing water" as a metaphor for soul mates in music. Today, international musicians are able to close the distance and make meaningful connections through sharing and collaborating with each other on CGTN The Stage.
Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road opened up a path for cultural exchange and propelled the development of civilizations. These days, diverse forms of activities ranging from cultural relics and art exhibitions to music and film festivals are echoing people's pursuit of spiritual resonance and prompting more cultural exchange between China and the world.
Stay tuned to CGTN The Stage for more inspiring stories.