The timeless tunes of Wang Luobin, one of China’s most beloved folk musicians, will be celebrated in a musical tribute at Beijing’s Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on April 15 and 16. The musical, originally produced by students and teachers from Beijing Normal University in 2019, will feature Wang’s classic songs as well as original compositions from a talented creative team.
Wang, who enrolled in Beijing Normal University in 1931 to study music, is known for his songs inspired by Chinese folk music. One of his best-known songs, “At a Faraway Place,” was written in Qinghai province in 1939 while Wang was shooting a film near Qinghai Lake. The song was inspired by a beautiful Tibetan girl, and he wrote over 50 of his more than 1,000 songs in Qinghai. Wang was also inspired by the music of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and created such tunes as “The Girl From Daban City” and “Raise Your Kerchief” based on the area’s traditions.
In 2019, the musical premiered at Beijing Normal University’s Beiguo Theater, where over 100 students and teachers from the university contributed to the production in various ways, including acting, singing, building stage sets, and designing costumes. The musical’s creative team includes director Li Fei, composer Zhu Jie, and set designer Zhao Xiaoyu.
The musical restaging coincides with Beijing Normal University’s 120th anniversary celebration. Wang, who was born in Beijing, studied music with Russian and German teachers at the university. Wang’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists, making him an ideal subject for a musical tribute.
The musical tribute also showcases the talents of Beijing Normal University’s students and faculty, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. Through the production of the musical, the university’s students and faculty members gain valuable experience in the arts and develop skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
The musical tribute not only celebrates Wang Luobin’s legacy but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting Chinese folk music. The creative team’s inclusion of original compositions demonstrates the vitality of the genre and its ongoing evolution. By bringing together Wang’s classic songs and new works, the musical tribute creates a bridge between the past and present, showcasing the enduring appeal of Chinese folk music.
In addition to celebrating Wang Luobin’s music, the musical tribute also showcases the creativity and talent of the young people who produced and performed in the production. As the future of China’s arts and culture, these students and teachers demonstrate the importance of investing in the next generation of artists and creatives.
The musical tribute also provides an opportunity for audiences to reflect on the importance of arts and culture in society. Through the production of the musical, Beijing Normal University demonstrates its commitment to nurturing a vibrant cultural scene in China, one that celebrates tradition while also embracing innovation and experimentation.
In conclusion, the Wang Luobin musical tribute at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center is an event not to be missed. By showcasing the classic songs of one of China’s most beloved folk musicians alongside new compositions, the musical tribute celebrates Wang’s legacy
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