To enrich students’ campus cultural life and enhance their aesthetic and humanistic attainment, Hainan International Institute of Northeast Forestry University organized student representatives to attend the charity concert by the Orchestre d’Harmonie du Canton de Genève, Switzerland at Hainan Ocean Paradise on October 21.
Music serves as an artistic expression transcending languages and cultures, as well as a vital medium for nourishing the mind and refining one’s temperament. At the venue, the Orchestre d’Harmonie du Canton de Genève of Switzerland delivered an artistic feast for the audience with rich musical expressiveness and compelling performances. Immersed in melodious tunes and harmonious sounds, students experienced the unique charm of wind music and artistic expressions rooted in diverse cultural contexts. Their aesthetic perception was elevated and humanistic sentiments cultivated in an imperceptible way.
Following the concert, a splendid fireworks display and a spectacular drone show took the stage in succession. Dazzling lights lit up the night sky and blended seamlessly with the on-site atmosphere, adding distinctive splendor to this artistic journey. Within this audio-visual experience integrating music, light and technology, students gained deeper insight into diverse forms of artistic expression and the unique appeal of the integration of art and technology.
After the performance, students shared their impressions of the concert and exchanged their observations, feelings and takeaways amid the integration of music, art and cultures.
Sun Yichen from Class 4, Computer Science and Technology, remarked: When the melodies of March of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and Ode to the Motherland rang out, the rich and solemn wind music drifted along the sea breeze. The encounter between national melodies and classical performance styles was deeply touching. With the blue sea as the backdrop and music echoing beside the waves, fireworks bloomed one after another above the sea at the end of the show. The movement for China-foreign cultural exchanges lingered on this vibrant land. Stepping out of the classroom, we directly experienced the appeal of wind music art at the concert, perceived patriotism in the stirring melodies, and witnessed the romantic power of cultural integration between China and other countries. It was a profound aesthetic education experience.
Zhao Yi’an from Class 3, Computer Science and Technology, commented: As melodious music floated from the open-air stage, the Orchestre d’Harmonie du Canton de Genève delivered a heartfelt performance. The melodies intertwined with the enthusiasm of the audience, and cheers broke out repeatedly, immersing everyone in the pure beauty brought by music. As night fell, the fireworks and drone show lit up the sky. Drone formations transformed into brilliant patterns in the air, complementing the bursting fireworks. Music connects hearts, and technology brightens the night sky. This seaside charity concert was more than an audio-visual feast. It allowed me to feel the romance woven by art and technology, and I was touched by the dynamism and charm of Hainan.
Xu Zixuan from Class 1, Computer Science and Technology, said: Organized by the university, we went to Hainan Ocean Paradise to attend the charity concert by the Orchestre d’Harmonie du Canton de Genève. I was captivated by the Swiss featured pieces performed by the orchestra. The grand sound of brass instruments blended with the soft tones of woodwinds in graceful undulations. What surprised me most was the Alphorn performance by several musicians. The interweaving sounds transported me as if I were standing on a Swiss pasture. This creative arrangement made wind music exceptionally approachable. When Ode to the Motherland was played towards the end of the concert, a strong sense of pride welled up inside me. On this open land of Hainan Free Trade Port, listening to familiar melodies performed by a foreign orchestra, I felt the inclusiveness of international exchanges and was profoundly moved by the patriotism rooted in my heart. Accompanied by the dazzling lights in the night sky, this concert left me with unforgettable emotions.
Sun Wenqi from Class 4, Computer Science and Technology, shared: Spotlights slowly shifted to the centre of the stage. As the conductor raised their baton, the music began to flow and reverberate around us. Different instrumental sections intertwined, now soft and gentle, now powerful and impassioned. Every note carried vibrant energy; the beauty I once only heard through headphones unfolded right on stage. Pop music, classical works and folk tunes were linked seamlessly, sounding elegant and melodious against the night backdrop. Warm applause erupted after each piece, and the resonance of the music stayed long in our hearts. This concert was not merely an auditory delight but also spiritual relaxation and edification. It pulled me away from busy daily routines to savour artistic beauty. It made me realise that music possesses cross-lingual power to convey emotions and soothe souls. I hope to attend more such artistic events in the future, stay sensitive to beauty, and keep drawing inspiration and strength from music.
Aesthetic education nourishes people quietly, and art enlightens the mind. This concert experience integrates artistic appreciation into students’ growth journey, offering them an opportunity to access high-calibre performances and experience diverse cultures. It also further diversifies the forms of aesthetic education practices at the Institute.
Hainan International Institute will continue to attach importance to the improvement of students’ aesthetic and humanistic attainment. It will actively expand platforms for aesthetic practice, guiding students to cultivate noble character and enrich their inner world while perceiving, appreciating and understanding beauty, so as to foster their all-round development. (Text by Gao Hui)
