City University of Macau (CityU) is dedicated to creating a vibrant cultural and artistic atmosphere, promoting students’ artistic development, and enriching their campus experience. With these goals in mind, the University has established an Art Troupe to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and unleash their potential. The inauguration ceremony was held today (April 12th) at the Cultural Centre of Taipa Campus, featuring a variety of student art performances including orchestral music, folk music, choir, and dance, highlighting the diverse cultural landscape of the campus.
The event was graced by the presence of several notable guests, including Mr. Li Xuefei, Head of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office; Mr. Gao Yuan, Head of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Liaison Office; Mr. Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director of the Government Education and Youth Development Bureau; Mr. Lao Ngai Leong, Chairman of the Trustee Committee of the University Foundation; Mr. Ung Choi Kun, Vice-Chairman of the University Council; Ms. Song Pek Kei, a member of the Legislative Assembly of MSAR; and Ms. Mok Ian Ian, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Science Centre. The CityU management team, including Rector Jun Liu and Vice Rector Kong Fanqing, were also in attendance.
During his speech, Rector Jun Liu emphasized CityU’s commitment to providing a holistic education that inspires students to develop a positive and healthy mindset and enhance their humanistic qualities. He also highlighted the University’s ongoing investment in facilities and campus functionality, providing students and faculty with a high-quality learning, research, and exchange environment. “By leveraging the campus environment, CityU has hosted a variety of cultural and artistic activities, creating an active, open, and cohesive campus culture and cultivating students with positive energies and healthy lifestyles,” Rector Liu stated. “The establishment of the Art Troupe fulfills CityU’s commitment to placing art cultivation at the center of our educational philosophy to nurture students. Going forward, the Art Troupe will enrich campus life, promote cultural exchange, and bring together students with diverse backgrounds to showcase their artistic talents and the artistic power of CityU.”
Vice Rector Kong Fanqing highlighted that Macao is currently building the “One Base,” an exchange and cooperation platform with Chinese culture as the core and the coexistence of multiple cultures, aimed at promoting cultural development in Macao and the Greater Bay Area, and encouraging innovative integration of Chinese and Western cultures. She introduced the new Art Troupe, stating that “by combining Chinese and Western arts in various forms, the Art Troupe carries forward the history of the unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures in the context of the One Base development.” To strengthen the development of the Art Troupe, Vice Rector Kong encouraged members to learn from each other and continuously improve their artistic skills.
The Art Troupe has appointed a team of notable musicians to play important roles in the group. Professor Dai Dingcheng has been appointed as the consultant, and Principal Cellist Lu Jia from the Macao Orchestra will serve as the artistic director and conductor of the Art Troupe. Renowned national percussionist Zhuang Jiepai will lead the Folk Music Ensemble, while leading contemporary ballet choreographer and registered teacher at the Royal Ballet School, Ms. Shu Qin, will head the Dance Ensemble. The chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Macau Choral Teachers, Mr. Ng Si Un, will serve as the head of the Choir. During the ceremony, Kong Fanqing, the leader of the Art Troupe, presented appointment letters to the aforementioned consultants and instructors.
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After the inauguration ceremony, the Grand Variety Show was held. Members of the Folk Music Ensemble, Choir, Orchestra, Dance Ensemble, and Street Dance Team brought a diverse range of wonderful performances, seamlessly blending classic Chinese and Western music with traditional and orchestral instruments to create beautiful melodies. The singing performance was gentle and captivating, while ballet and street dance performers impressed the audience with their graceful and energetic movements. The auditorium burst into applause and cheers.
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Other guests in attendance at the event included Ms. Leong Ian Sin, Head of the Division of Performing Arts at the Government Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr. Wang Yang, Assistant General Manager of Luso International Banking Ltd. The CityU management team was also present, including Vice Rectors Zhou Wanlei and Chee Seong Chin, University Consultant Ip Peng Kin, Council member Sandy Chan, and Pro-Rectors So Kam Hung, Chan Chon Pat, and Chu Te Lin.
