Musicians from Wuxi perform Chinese national music for international guests at a cultural event. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Composers specializing in Chinese national music convened in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Nov 8 and 9 for a seminar focused on contemporary composition in this field.

During the discussions, experts underscored the importance of modern Chinese national music in preserving cultural heritage, promoting international exchange, encouraging artistic innovation, and building national pride. They pointed out the vast potential for growth and many areas ready for exploration, stressing the urgent need for quick and high-quality advancement in this field.

The recognition of Wuxi as a UNESCO City of Music was celebrated as a promising start, increasing the confidence of national music artists. Experts hope that Wuxi will host more top-tier cultural events and attract leading artistic brands, using this seminar as a catalyst to establish Wuxi as a leading center for national music creation and performance.

Ye Xiaogang, vice-chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, shared his vision for Wuxi, as a UNESCO City of Music, to adopt a more open approach. He envisions a harmonious fusion of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music with global symphonies, revitalizing ancient musical traditions in the modern era.

Wuxi boasts a rich musical heritage as the cradle of Wu culture. Throughout the history of Chinese national music, the city has been home to many master musicians. Known as the "hometown of the erhu" and the "hometown of Chinese national music", Wuxi not only holds a deep cultural legacy but also aims to creatively adapt national music for today's audiences.