Opening Address by Mr. Tang Youjing, Charge D'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malta, at the Inauguration of the Chinese Musical Instruments Exhibition

Mr. Michael Fenech, Chairman of St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Good evening.

It gives me great pleasure today to join you here at St. James Cavalier for the inauguration of the Exhibition Chinese Musical Instruments. May I begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Malta, my warmest welcome to all of you present here. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the organizers of the exhibition China Cultural Centre and St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity as well as those who have worked hard to make this exhibition possible.

Charge D'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malta Mr. Tang Youjing Delivering Speech

It is true that music is a universal language that transcends national boundaries. Here I would like to share with you a story about the power of music that has been passed down from generation to generation over the history. The story tells about an anecdote of the great Chinese educator and philosopher Confucius about 2000 years ago. It goes like this: while in State of Qi, Confucius heard a piece of an ancient music. He liked it a lot and he dedicated himself to the study of it for three months. He got so engrossed into it that he even neglected his ordinary meals, even the taste of meat. He was then heard to say, "I should never have thought that music could be brought to such perfection." Well, what we can tell from these stories and even our own life experiences is that it is never too much to emphasize the power of music, as Beethoven once said that music could strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

The Hon. Louis Galea, Minister for Education, Youth and Employment Playing Chinese Musical Instrument

Throughout the broad sweep of human civilization, mankind has created brilliant music culture and at the same time a great variety of musical instruments, a source of music and solidified movements. The Chinese musical instruments enjoy a longstanding history of more than 8000 years and the earliest one can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. China is a multi-ethnic country of 56 ethnic groups which give rise to a great variety of music and musical instruments. What are being exhibited here are more than 70 hand-picked ancient and modern instruments of unique characteristics.

The Chinese musical instruments are different from western ones in terms of styles and features, but they are capable of playing western music, including symphony. With the evolution of the instruments, the traditional Chinese music has now been presented to the whole world in a better manner. It is my hope that, today, Maltese people and foreign tourists coming to Valletta, will learn more about China through this exhibition. Last February, the Chinese National Orchestra held a New Year concert at the Manoel Theatre. The strong oriental charm and uniqueness grabbed the listeners' hearts. I hope that with the introduction of the musical instruments, our Maltese friends could come to appreciate more of the Chinese music and even the Chinese culture at large. I also wish that in February next year on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival, China Cultural Centre would bring another opportunity for our Maltese friends to enjoy traditional Chinese music.

Although China and Malta are far apart, geographically as well as in terms of historical background, cultural traditions, and level of development, but both as countries of rich civilizations, have been very active in cultural exchanges including in the field of music. To my knowledge, Renzo Spiteri, a famous Maltese percussionist, went to Beijing last year to perform in cooperation with a Chinese musical team then the same team came back also in Malta to participate in the local jazz festival in Waterfront. I believe that the exchange of musicians, composers, artists and singers etc would be instrumental in the enhancement of mutual understanding between the two cultures and the peoples. Interactions between Chinese and foreign artists will greatly enrich their work and having all these different ideas and approaches swirl around each other will set off new and exciting forms of music.

In conclusion, I wish this exhibition a great success. Thank you all.