Russian accordionists tutor a student at Jiangnan University. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Russian accordion players Eduard Akhanov, Sergey Osokin, as well as Portuguese accordion player Vitor Pastor, kicked off their four-day tour of music in Wuxi on July 10, marking the launch of the city's international musician-in-residence program.
What kind of sparks will be ignited between the international musicians and Wuxi?
With a rich history of Chinese folk music and as a hub of the accordion industry, Wuxi is worthy of recognition from an increasing number of international musicians, noted Wang Congyu, deputy secretary-general of the Accordion Society of Chinese Musicians Association.
At the city's Jiangnan University, teachers and students reveled in the beautiful melodies from both classic accordion pieces and Chinese music performed by the visiting musicians, before receiving professional tutoring and insights into the accordion.
Three international musicians perform in front of the statue of Ah Bing in Erquan Square. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The three international musicians also put on performances at the Former Residence of Ah Bing, China's most famous erhu player, attracting both locals and tourists to stop to listen and pose for photos with them.
Pastor was impressed with the former residence, saying that it is amazing to play Portuguese folk music in this quaint place. Russian accordionist Akhanov noted that he plans to create some new works blending folk music from Wuxi and Russia.
Boys pose for a photo with the international musicians. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Over the following days, the three accordionists will visit local cultural facilities and an erhu industrial park. They will also attend an accordion art week to experience the rich cultural vibe in the city and seek inspiration for new works.
Unveiled in May, the international musician-in-residence program is expected to recruit two to five influential musicians around the world each year to carry out exchanges in Wuxi related to general life experience, musical composition, exhibitions, and performances.
