On November 18, Prof. Shuan Ryan and a Chamber Group from Ulster University (UU), UK, visited and held a discussion and exchange activity in the conference room 13311 of the Conservatory of Music. The conference was jointly organized by the International Exchange Division and the Conservatory of Music at Hubei Normal University (HBNU). A large number of students and teachers had attended the exchange activity, including Prof. Zhou Yuliang, Dean of the Conservatory of Music, Professor Li Haimeng, Vice Dean of the Conservatory of Music, Associate Professor Pu Shi, Head of the Department of Music Performance and students of the Chinese Orchestra from HBNU.

 

First of all, Prof. Zhou Youliang extended a warm welcome to Prof. Shuan Ryan and his team from UU. He also reported the work and achievements of the Conservatory of Music since its establishment, and looked forward to having the opportunity to have more extensive art exchanges and cooperation with the UU in the future, so as to set up the sail of art for the long-term partnership and friendship between the two schools.

Afterwards, Prof. Shaun Ryan made a brief introduction to the development of the art discipline at UU, emphasizing the importance of nationality in the development of the music discipline. He expressed his strong interest in China's traditional folk music and looked forward to further cooperation and joint construction with the Conservatory of Music at HBNU, so as to continuously exert the influence of the Confucius Institute in artistic communication and further promote the cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the UK.

After the impressive discussion, it began practical music exchange activities. First of all, Prof. Shaun Ryan introduced the instruments widely used by Irish folk bands brought by the Chamber Group, such as Harp, Bagpipe, Fidelian, tin whistle, accordion, Bothland drum and other Musical Instruments. He emphasized the significant role of these instruments in the Irish folk music band. The wonderful demonstration ended up with Irish tap dance, which won the applause of teachers and students from HBNU present.

In the rehearsal room 13301, the delegation also enjoyed a fantastic exchange session with the Chinese National Orchestra from the Conservatory of Music. First of all, Prof. Li Haimeng introduced Chinese traditional Musical Instruments to the visiting delegation from UU, and demonstrated the sound principle and timbre of various Musical Instruments. The visiting delegation fully overwhelmed by the broad and profound Chinese culture and the charm of traditional Chinese Musical Instruments. Afterwards, the Chinese Orchestra performed two national symphonies, The Dragon Leaps and the Tiger Leaps and My Motherland, which impressed the visiting teachers and students. Music knows no borders. Prof. Shaun Ryan also conducted and cooperated with the Chinese Orchestra based on his interpretation after appreciating the ensemble score of My Motherland.

The last part of the exchange and cooperation was the free-styled discussion and learning between the teachers and students from two sides. They deeply learned the performance and techniques of Chinese and Irish folk Musical Instruments, and even accomplished a grand the performance jointly. The exchange activity was successfully concluded in the singing of Shania's My Belfast Love.

During these exchange activities, teachers and students from two universities conducted profound communications and discussion on the folk music and traditional instrumental music as the carrier, which deepened the artistic and cultural exchanges between two universities and promoted the cooperation and development of international music education. The students not only understood the relevant knowledge of western folk music, but also enhanced their national and cultural self-confidence. The International Exchange and Cooperation Office and the Conservatory of Music will continue to uphold the concept of openness and inclusiveness, continue to strengthen cooperation with international universities, build an international music exchange platform, and contribute to cultivating more outstanding talents!