On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of City University of Macau (CityU), the University held a 45th Anniversary Grand Variety Show yesterday at the Cultural Centre at its Taipa campus. Under the theme “Legacy of the Arts, Building Dreams Together”, the grand show brought together Faculty and students from CityU, China Conservatory of Music, Xinghai Conservatory of Music, and Zhuhai Art College. With the arts as a bridge, the performance deepened cultural exchanges among higher education institutions from Guangdong, Beijing, and Macao, celebrating CityU’s 45 years of excellence.
Attendees at the event included Lei Im Kei, acting head of the Department of Students of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Li Yongle, Level III Official of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region; Lam Iok Ha, market director of SME service and general manager of the inclusive finance business division of ICBC Macau; Ye Shennan, president of Zhuhai Art College; Sou Mei Pan, principal of Macao Fukien School; Wong Chang Chi, principal of Escola Secundária Luso-Chinesa de Luís Gonzaga Gomes; Wong Tak Kei, vice principal of Escola Luso-Chinesa Técnico-Profissional; Ng Teng Kuong, vice principal of Yuet Wah College; U Si Wai, vice principal of Escola Estrela do Mar; Liu Chenchen, principal of the Macao Conservatory; Raymond Chan, assistant principal of Sheng Kung Hui (Macau) Choi Kou Middle School; Chan Weng In, academic director of Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College; Lei Ka Chon, deputy director of the Secondary Division of Keang Peng School; Zhao Guanhua, office director of the Chinese Music Department of the China Conservatory of Music; and Zhu Di, associate professor of Xinghai Conservatory of Music.
Representing CityU were Rector Jun Liu, Vice Rectors Zhou Wanlei and Ip Kuai Peng, member of the University Council Cintia Chan, Pro-Rectors Wicky So Kam Hung and Robert Chan Chon Pat, as well as Li Hexiang, president of the Student Union, and He Binghao, president of the Postgraduate Student Union.
The grand show marking the 45th anniversary opened with a chorus of the City University of Macau Anthem. The Portuguese version of the anthem, specially created to honor the university’s 45 remarkable years, was premiered at the event — showcasing CityU’s unique educational philosophy of being rooted in Macao and blending Chinese and Western cultures. The chorus sang out the heartfelt affection and bright aspirations that all CityU members hold for their alma mater.
Rector Jun Liu delivered an address, extending his sincere greetings and a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests, faculty members, students, and fellow young artists from the arts institutions in Guangdong, Beijing and Macao. He reviewed the university’s 45-year journey of dedication to education, its deep roots in Macao, and its ongoing commitment to serving the Greater Bay Area. He praised cultural performance for its significant role in promoting cultural exchange, artistic integration, and youth development. Rector Liu expressed his hope that the arts would serve as a bridge to further strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, foster a strong sense of patriotism and national identity, jointly carry forward the fine traditional Chinese culture, and support the growth and success of young people.
The entire performance was diverse in form and rich in content, featuring a variety of artistic genres including choral singing, group dance, traditional Chinese instrumental ensemble, symphonic band, and folk dance. Faculty memebrs and students from participating institutions took turns on stage, presenting a high-caliber artistic feast.
The group dance Yellow River showcased the pride and glory of the Chinese nation. With powerful and vigorous movements and passionate, soaring emotions, the dancers vividly captured the surging magnificence and heroic spirit of the Yellow River.
In the original intangible cultural heritage dance Shadow of the Egret — Graceful Flight, the dancers, dressed in elegant costumes, used light and agile movements to depict the beauty of egrets in flight, conveying the unique charm of intangible cultural heritage art.
The traditional Chinese instrumental ensemble was filled with brilliant highlights. The Dragon Soaring and Tiger Leaping delivered a powerful interplay of resounding rhythms and stirring melodies. The TV Theme Song Medley was performed with lovely sentiment; the familiar tunes, reinterpreted through traditional Chinese instruments, instantly evoked fond youthful memories for everyone in the audience. The Dynamic Plucking was full of vibrant energy, transforming the venue into a music party brimming with youthful spirit. In Shimmering Glow, a variety of ethnic instruments harmonized seamlessly, with melodies shifting from gentle and graceful to passionate and unrestrained, showcasing the diverse charm of traditional Chinese folk music.
The performance by the symphonic wind band of Xinghai Conservatory of Music also captivated the audience. The symphonic wind piece Song from the Heart delivered a deeply moving melody, with every note striking a chord in the hearts of all present. Following that, Ode to Dedication conveyed sincere emotions through its grand and melodious sound, immersing the entire audience in the profound impact of the music. The lively tempo and spirited melody of the orchestral piece Can-Can reignited the atmosphere. Then, the China in the Lights resounded throughout the venue; the performers poured their emotions into the music, as if breathing life into their instruments. Every note was filled with love and praise for the motherland, drawing thunderous applause from the audience that lingered for a long time.
A lively Portuguese folk dance full of exotic charm was then performed. Dressed in traditional colorful costumes, the dancers showcased the unique allure of Portuguese folk dance with their joyful movements. The audience cheered with delight, filling the venue with radiant energy and excitement.
The 45th Anniversary Grand Variety Show came to a close with the beautiful melody of the original anniversary song Endless. The CityU Choir dedicated their most heartfelt voices to their alma mater, singing of the 45 years of passed-down legacy and unending vitality at CityU.
This 45th Anniversary Grand Variety Show not only showcased the superb artistic talents of the students and their peers from partner institutions but also used art as a bridge to interpret the theme “Legacy of the Arts, Building Dreams Together”, further strengthening the cohesion of the entire university community. Having weathered 45 years of trials and hardships and having carried forward a legacy of excellence for 45 years, CityU will continue to nurture hearts through art and cultivate character through culture, writing a new glorious chapter on its new journey. CityU students, carrying their love for their alma mater, will march forward with even greater vigor toward mountains and seas, united in building their dreams for the future.
Source: Student Affairs Office
