On the evening of October 21, 2023, the Gateway Theatre in Richmond, Vancouver, became a shining gem in the Vancouver cultural scene, as it hosted an unprecedented music extravaganza – “Canadian Multicultural Arts Festival Shanxi Special: Essence of Jin.”
2023年10月21日晚，坐落于温哥华列治文市的Gateway剧院成为了温哥华文化界的一颗璀璨明珠，因为这里上演了一场前所未有的音乐盛宴——“加拿大多元文化艺术节山西专场：晋韵”。
This concert was organized by the Canada YC Chinese Music Orchestra Association, with the Canadian YC Folk Music Orchestra and the Canada YC Music Academy as co-organizers, the Sponsorship Committee with Sandy as the Chairperson and proudly presented by Arctic Bear Mall as the title sponsor. The concert aimed to blend traditional Shanxi music with contemporary music, providing the audience with an unparalleled cultural journey.
这场音乐会得以举办要感谢列治文市议员欧先生的提议，由加拿大英才中乐协会主办，加拿大英才民族管弦乐团和加拿大英才音乐学校承办，赞助商筹委会Sandy主席协办，北极熊商城冠名赞助的。这是一个令人自豪的合作，旨在将山西传统音乐与现代音乐相融合，为观众呈现一场无与伦比的文化之旅。
At the same time, the Canada YC Chinese Music Orchestra Association received three congratulatory letters from the Canadian provincial government, expressing their appreciation and blessings for this concert. They acknowledged the significance of this event in promoting cultural exchange and multiculturalism, as well as the positive impact it brings to the community.
同时，加拿大英才中乐协会收到了加拿大三级政府的贺信，对这次音乐会表示赞赏和祝福。他们认可了这个活动对于促进文化交流和多元文化的重要性，以及它为社区带来的积极影响。
Highlights of the concert/音乐会的亮点：
Mr. Chak Au, a Richmond City Council member, delivered an inspiring speech, sharing his passion for music and culture. 列治文市议员区泽光先生发表令人振奋的讲话，分享了对音乐与文化的热爱。
“Blooming Red Flowers in Shanxi”
This opening piece celebrated those who built terraced fields and created a beautiful life during challenging times, symbolizing hope and perseverance. It reminded us of friends living in a foreign land who contribute their culture to the Canadian community, much like flowers blooming everywhere.
《山西红花遍地开》
首曲拉开序幕，用音乐讴歌了那些在贫困时代艰辛建设梯田、创造美好生活的人们。这首曲目象征着希望和奋斗，让人联想到如今身在异乡的朋友们，他们为加拿大社区贡献着自己的文化，就像鲜花一样遍地开放。
“Dancing at the Sound of the Rooster”
This lively and joyful piece, based on folk songs from Shanxi’s Hequ region, immersed the audience in the scenes of passion for art and pursuit of a happy life.
《闻鸡起舞》
这首乐曲以山西河曲的民歌为基础，充满了活力和喜悦，让人沉浸在热爱艺术和追求幸福生活的景象之中。
“Ninety-Nine Bends of the Yellow River”
This song depicted the magnificent picture of the Yellow River’s winding course, praising the rich and colorful lives of the people on both sides of the river and their deep affection for the mother river. The program featured a performance by renowned vocalist Ms. Yuan Yihan in the local dialect, presenting this new composition.
《天下黄河九十九道湾》
歌曲带来了九曲黄河的壮丽画卷，歌颂了黄河两岸人民丰富多彩的生活和对母亲河的深情厚意。这一节目特邀了著名歌唱家袁一菡女士演唱，以地方方言为大家呈现了这首新作品。
Pipa and Guzheng Duet “Spring River Flower Moon Night”
This duet, inspired by Li Bai’s “Spring River Flower Moon Night,” portrayed beautiful scenery and poetic emotions. The collaboration of Liu Guilian and Chen Wenying transported the audience into a romantic musical landscape.
琵琶、古筝重奏《春江花月夜》
琵琶和古筝的二重奏乐曲，以李白的《春江花月夜》为灵感，展现了美丽景色和诗意情感。著名琵琶演奏家刘桂莲教授和古筝演奏大师陈文英教授的合奏将观众带入一幅充满浪漫的音乐画卷。
“Auspicious Golden Drums”
This was a collaborative performance of Chinese big drums and Chinese slit drums, resembling a picturesque painting of ancient battlefields. The spectacular piece was jointly performed by the composer and percussion expert, Teacher Cao Yang, and his daughter Candice Cao, marking the world premiere of this new work.
《金鼓吉祥》
这是一曲中国大鼓和中国排鼓的协同演奏，如同一幅诗情画意的画卷，展示了古代战场的壮丽景象。作曲者兼打击乐专家曹阳老师和他的女儿曹语恬共同演绎了这一壮观的作品，这也是这部全新作品的世界首演。
Guzheng Solo “Fantasia”
This beautiful Guzheng solo integrated traditional Guzheng playing with modern innovative elements, showcasing the wonders of music. The piece was performed by Lucy Ling, a specialized student at the Canada YC Music Academy.
古筝《幻想曲》
这是一首美妙的古筝独奏作品，融合了传统古筝演奏和现代创新元素，呈现了音乐的奇妙之处。乐曲由加拿大英才音乐学院专科学生凌思桐表演。
Folk Ensemble “Dreams”
Based on folk songs from Shanxi’s Qinyuan region, this piece was filled with aspirations and imaginations of a happy life, painting a picture of childhood happiness.
民乐合奏《梦梦》
这首曲目以山西沁源民歌为基调，充满了作曲家刘建斌先生对幸福生活的憧憬和想象，勾勒出了童年时的幸福画面。
“Qiao Family Courtyard, Chapter 2: Aspire”
Based on the theme song of the TV drama “Qiao Family Courtyard,” this piece highlighted the unwavering spirit and respect for family traditions.
《乔家大院第二乐章·立志》
以电视剧《乔家大院》的主题曲为基础，展现了坚韧不拔的精神和对家族传统的尊敬。
“Qiao Family Courtyard, Chapter 6: Distant Affection”
The theme song of the TV drama “Qiao Family Courtyard” captured the vicissitudes of life and conveyed character, life insights, and emotional resonance. This song is performed by the renowned soprano, Ms. Liu Ruoxi, as the special guest, and the choral section is sung by the distinguished Vancouver Chinese Choir Association.
《乔家大院第六乐章·远情》
电视剧乔家大院的主题曲，道尽了人间一生的沧桑起伏，表达了人格风范、人生感悟和情感寄托。此曲由特邀嘉宾著名歌唱家刘若熙女士演唱，合唱部分由杰出的温哥华国韵合唱团演唱。
Encore: “Impression of Chinese Music – Grand Suite”
This was a musical feast blending the sounds of various Chinese traditional instruments, immersing the audience in the marvelous world of music.
返场曲目《印象国乐·大曲》
这是一场音乐的饕餮盛宴，融合了多种中国民族乐器的声音，将观众带入音乐的奇妙世界。
Special thanks to sponsors, supporting organizations, and media!
感谢赞助商、友情支持单位和媒体的支持！
Sponsors/赞助商：
Title Sponsor/冠名赞助: Polar Bear Mall 北极熊商城
Gold Sponsors/金赞助：Davis College 戴维斯学院、ForeGrowth Real Estate Investment Company 地产投资公司、Robert Wang from BDO 王易兴
Silver Sponsor/银赞助: Judy Dou from Luxmore Realty 龙美地产的Judy Dou女士
Sandy Chen from Howey Financial 昊威金融的陈少逢女士, Coast Dawn Immigration 通洋留学移民, CONCORDIA HSK Center CONCORDIA学院
Supporting Organizations/友情支持单位：
加拿大潮属社团总会 Canada Teochew Federation
加拿大粤商会 Canada Canton Chamber of Commerce China
加拿大商务文化协会 Canada Chain Commerce and Culture Association
温哥华国际义工联合会 Vancouver International Volunteer Association
汉服学社 Han Fu Culture Association
活动小队 Vanacts.com
元初食品 Sungiven Foods
加拿大温哥华山西同乡会 Vancouver ShanXi Natives Society of Canada
加拿大山西华人联合总会 Shanxi United Association
加拿大山西商会 Canada Shanxi Chamber of Commerce
Media Support/媒体支持：
凤凰卫视 Phoenix
乐活网 Lahoo.ca
温哥华中文电台 Chinese Radio Vancouver
老拉视界 Laola View World
现代艺术摄影学院 Modern Art Film Academy
自媒体协会 We–Media Association
诚勤传媒 CQ Diligence Media
Thanks to these sponsors, supporting organizations, and media for their tremendous support, making the concert a success. Additionally, special thanks to Sungiven Foods for providing delicious snacks for the audience.
感谢这些赞助商、友情支持单位和媒体的鼎力支持，使这场音乐会得以顺利举行。此外，特别感谢元初食品提供的美味活动简餐，为观众带来了美食享受。
The “Canadian Multicultural Arts Festival Shanxi Special: Essence of Jin” concert not only brought joy through music to the audience but also conveyed the unique charm of Shanxi culture. The success of this music extravaganza would not have been possible without the hard work and support of all participants, who collectively created an unforgettable night. We look forward to future musical journeys, continuing to share and preserve cultural heritage and passing on the beauty of Shanxi to more people.
“加拿大多元文化艺术节山西专场：晋韵”音乐会不仅为观众带来了音乐的欢愉，还传递了山西文化的独特魅力。这场音乐盛宴的成功举办离不开所有参与者的辛勤付出和支持，他们共同创造了一个难忘的夜晚。我们期待着未来的音乐之旅，继续分享和传承文化遗产，将山西的精彩传递给更多的人。