On Saturday, June 14, under clear blue skies, the center of Luxembourg City was filled with a festive atmosphere. At the invitation of the China Cultural Centre in Luxembourg, the Pipa π Ensemble from the China Conservatory of Music and the Luxembourg Chamber Orchestra made their debut at the 2025 Fête de la Musique. They gave two captivating open-air performances: one at 3:30 p.m. at the kiosk on Place d’Armes, and another at 8:00 p.m. at Place Guillaume II (Knuedler). Together, they offered audiences a vibrant cultural feast — a musical dialogue between East and West.
The Fête de la Musique originated in France and has since become a major cultural festival celebrated in over a hundred countries worldwide. Luxembourg has actively participated since 1995, hosting free performances across the country each mid-June that showcase diverse musical styles and are enjoyed by all. It has become one of the most iconic cultural events locally. The inclusion of the Chinese traditional music ensemble this year not only adds a rich Eastern flavor to the festival but also beautifully highlights the harmonious blending of Eastern and Western cultures on this open and multicultural celebratory stage.
The afternoon performance drew a large crowd, with many local residents bringing their families to watch, and numerous tourists stopping to be captivated by the Chinese instruments and melodies on stage. Sunshine bathed the cobblestone streets of the historic district as well as the smiling faces of the performers and audience. The Pipa π Ensemble, composed of outstanding young musicians from the China Conservatory of Music, joined by Hany Heshmat, guitar professor at the Luxembourg Conservatory of Music, presented a repertoire rich in Chinese charm, featuring classics and new works such as “Happy Sheep,” “Step by Step Up,” “Deep Night,” and “Spring Bamboo.” The finale, “A Thousand Miles of Musical Fate,” skillfully fused the Chinese pipa and Western guitar, creating a heartfelt dialogue between the two plucked-string instruments in the square. Respectful and complementary to each other, they played a harmonious melody of cross-cultural understanding and spiritual resonance, winning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Many excited attendees captured the moment on their phones, contributing to a warm and lively atmosphere.
At the event, H.E. Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg, and his wife attended the performance to show their strong support. They warmly mingled with the public and listened attentively to the program. As enthusiastic audience members and true ambassadors of cultural exchange, they embodied the spirit of “bringing hearts together through culture” through their presence and actions.
In the evening at Place Guillaume II, the Luxembourg Chamber Orchestra joined guzheng teacher Liu Yan in a heartfelt performance of the Chinese classic "Butterfly Lovers." The fusion of Chinese and Western instruments created a rich resonance, with the lingering, emotive melodies echoing through the summer night. The performance transported the audience into the poignant and beautiful world of an Eastern love legend, bringing a perfect close to a day of China-Europe cultural exchange. Mr. Wang Yuan, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Luxembourg, attended the event to show his support.
The entire event not only showcased the artistic charm of Chinese traditional music but also sparked strong interest in Chinese culture among the local audience. After the performances, many residents approached staff members to learn more about Chinese instruments, music education, traditional festivals, and travel information. They expressed a keen desire to visit China and experience its cultural richness firsthand. Music served as a bridge between hearts — and as a new opportunity to promote cultural and tourism exchanges.
This debut of Chinese music at the Fête de la Musique in Luxembourg was not only a remarkable performance, but also a vivid reflection of equal dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations. Through music—a universal language shared by all—artists and audiences from China and Europe listened to one another, appreciated each other's cultures, and together composed a harmonious movement of mutual understanding and resonance.
Photo credits: Zhou Ti, Jiang Yida