China-Russia Ties: Young Russian violinist finds niche in China

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As China continues to open up, more musicians, artists and other performers from the country's northern neighbor Russia have brought their unique artwork south. And some have even settled in China. CGTN's Feng Yilei goes to northeastern China's music city of Harbin for their stories.

Music has no borders, for 27-year-old Russian violinist Daria Kuptsova, the enchanting sound of Chinese string instruments resemble her beloved violin. After joining a chamber orchestra in Harbin she has experienced the city's four seasons - where she can realize her musical dreams and self-value.

DARIA ANDREEVNA KUPTSOVA, VIOLINIST CHINA-RUSSIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, HARBIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC "I came here with great interest. The reason I travelled a long distance is that this country has such a rich history that I am fascinated to learn from and improve myself."

What Daria loves most is not just Harbin's Russian style architecture that makes her feel at home, but the gathering of talented musicians around the world. That offers the chance to fully enjoy the charm of music in the city's various theaters, concert halls and parks, and freely exchange ideas."

DARIA ANDREEVNA KUPTSOVA, VIOLINIST CHINA-RUSSIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, HARBIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC "We keep taking in new musical knowledge and spreading our own to others, which is just amazing. The essence of art is to explore new things. Absorbing new cultural knowledge constantly plays a great role in the development of certain art forms."

Discussion among Russian and Chinese orchestra members is like a chord of a bright tune and a classical one playing together. With that, the young violinist feels herself getting a better understanding, as well as more recognition from Chinese listeners.

FENG YILEI HARBIN "And it's not just Daria, art performances from the neighboring country are getting more and more applause in Harbin. At the city's theatre, Chinese audiences can enjoy first-class Russian touring plays and ballet all year without leaving their hometown."

"The growing market means more job opportunities for Russian performers to come and stay. Their contributions to the public have become part of locals' daily life and have triggered a resonance beyond distance and language."

DARIA ANDREEVNA KUPTSOVA, VIOLINIST CHINA-RUSSIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, HARBIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC "While China is inviting many Russian musicians, Russia now also takes on a lot of Chinese students to study Russian music. When two cultures of rich history collide, it will lead to interesting outcomes that are meaningful for both sides."

In the early 20th century, it was Russian musicians who brought about China's earliest western orchestra, which later grew into a cultural heritage that makes Harbin the world city of music. And now more Russian and Chinese artists will together play the symphony of culture, louder to the world. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Harbin.