HEAR CHINA – The Sounds of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers

 

On June 13, attendees at the University of Leeds were treated to a rich cultural journey during HEAR CHINA: The Sounds of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, an engaging public lecture exploring the deep connections between China’s geography and its diverse musical traditions. The event was organised by three MA Music Management students from the University of Leeds School of Music - Xin Liu, Runqiu Han, and Yuying Zhao, who worked under the supervision of Associate Professor Silviu Cobeanu, Director of MA Music Management.

The event brought China’s two great rivers to life — the Yellow River and the Yangtze River — through a compelling blend of academic insight and live musical performance. Scholars specializing in Chinese music and geography guided the audience through the shifting landscapes of deserts, grasslands, mountains, and water towns, illustrating how these environments have shaped distinct regional soundscapes and traditions.

Complementing the lecture were captivating live performances of traditional Chinese music, showcasing instruments and styles specific to the regions discussed. The performances featured talented musicians from Durham, Manchester, York, and Leeds, adding an immersive, sonic dimension to the evening.

🎵 Musical Highlights:

Yellow River Region:

• Camel Bells on the Silk Road 《丝路驼铃》
  Performed by Chang Liu (University of Manchester), Kewei Zhang (University of Leeds), and Yunyao Qi (University of Durham)

• Horse Race 《赛马》
  Performed by Lijun Zhang and Weibo Luo (both University of Leeds)

Yangtze River Region:

• Yi Ethnic Dance 《彝族舞曲》
  Performed by Lijun Zhang (University of Leeds) and Yihan Zhang (University of York)

• Liuyang River 《浏阳河》
  Performed by Lijun Zhang and Weibo Luo (both University of Leeds)

• Jasmine Flower 《茉莉花》 and Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon 《彩云追月》
  Performed by Lijun Zhang (University of Leeds) and Yihan Zhang (University of York)

With a full house in attendance, the event offered a rare opportunity to experience Chinese regional culture through both scholarly narrative and artistic expression. The event was attended by Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, who opened the event with a warm and thoughtful speech.

From the haunting melodies of northern folk traditions to the fluid, lyrical music of southern water towns, the evening highlighted the profound ways in which geography can influence cultural identity.

The event was proudly supported by the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds, as part of our ongoing work to share Chinese language and culture with the wider community. HEAR CHINA was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together through music, stories, and regional traditions — the kind of experience that makes learning about China truly come alive.