School delegation visits University of Michigan for exchanges

Invited by the University of Michigan School of Music and Confucius Institute, a 13-member delegation from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music visited the American university for academic exchanges.

The delegation included vice president Yang Yandi and department deans Zhao Weiping, Zhang Wenlu and Lu Pei. They took part in seminars, performances, workshops and lectures.

The two music schools discussed cooperation and shared ideas on school development. Vice Provost for Global and Engaged Education James Holloway, Dean of Confucius Institute Lin Cuiqing, Dean of School of Music Aaron Dworkin and other faculties joined the meeting.

In the workshop, “The Victors”, the University of Michigan Football Club’s battle song, was performed on dulcimer, erhu, flute and other Chinese musical instruments to amazement of American teachers and students.

The Shanghai delegation also performed modern and traditional Chinese music in a joint concert with their hosts who played pieces composed by professors of both schools.

Professor Dai Xiaolian gave a lecture on the history and evolution of Chinese zither; Professor Yang Yandi introduced piano pieces created by Chinese composers; and Professor Zhao Weiping talked about music scores from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).