Xinhua featured a short article with numerous photos of Chinese musicians learning the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert and Franz Haydn. It wrote that “many Austrian music masters have gained great recognition in China, with their works incorporated into Chinese curriculum of music education institutions.
“The Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by China in 2013, has received positive responses and continued support from Austria. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, with music playing a crucial role in strengthening their mutual bond.”
The article contains many photos of music students practicing playing the pipe organ, singing, playing the piano, trumpet and other instruments.
On Sept. 25, Global Times featured a long interview in Beijing with Erich Arthold, the president of the 525-year-old Vienna Boys’ Choir, with whom he himself sang as a youngster. “’Chinese culture is both ancient and significant. It’s crucial for young boys to explore the world at their age, gain diverse experiences, and acquire knowledge about other cultures,’ Arthold told Global Times, adding the choir’s pride to be regarded as a ‘cultural ambassador’ for Austria, which ‘places a heavy responsibility on us to engage in cross-cultural exchanges.’”
Global Times reported: “During their 2023 tour in China, the choir will perform in almost 20 cities, including Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Taipei. In addition to classic pieces such as Eine kleine Nachtmusik, the Magic Flute’ and Tritsch-Tratsch Polka the choir will also sing folk songs from countries like Türkiye, Ukraine, and New Zealand, as well as specially prepared Chinese songs for the audience, including The Moon Represents My Heart and High Green Mountains.…
“Arthold mentioned that the choir now has four friendly choirs in China, known as the Choirs of Friends of Vienna Boys’ Choir, located in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Members from these four choirs and the Vienna Boys’ Choir visit each other for performances, deepening the friendship between the two nations’ choirs and providing more opportunities for young Chinese musicians to connect with the international music scene.”
