On September 26th, the competition organising committee held a post-competition press conference, briefing the overall situation of the competition. Later, it held a music culture forum on the theme of Dialogue between the City and Music. Domestic and foreign celebrities, including the president of Chinese Musician Association Ye Xiaogang, the celebrated conductor Chen Zuohuang, counselor of Austrian Embassy China Gudrun Hardiman-Pollross, the president of International Music Competition Foundation Gustav Alink, discussed issues such as the influence of classical music to the city.
Lasting almost two weeks, the 1st Zhuhai International Mozart Competition For Young Musicians is completed on September 25th. The competition has witnessed excellent performances of young musicians from all over the world and the lingering charm of Mozart’s music. The press conference was held on September 26th in Zhuhai Huafa International Exhibition Centre. Klaus Kaufman, the chairman of juries committee of the piano group, and Paul Roczek, the chairman of juries committee of the violin group, respectively introduced the overall situation of the competition.
The music culture forum on the theme of Dialogue between the City and Music followed. Officials, celebrities, and media professionals attended the forum, including Long Guangyan, the executive president of the competition and vice-mayor of Zhuhai municipal government; Ye Xiaogang, the president of Chinese Musician Association; Chen Zuohuang, the celebrated conductor; Ms. Gudrun Hardiman-Pollross, the counselor of Austrian Embassy China; Gustav Alink, the president of International Music Competition Foundation; Min Yuntong, vice-secretary of Zhuhai Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau; Chen Yu, general manager of Zhuhai Huafa Cultural Education Tourism Development Co, Ltd, and teachers and students from Zhuhai College of Jilin University.
Vice-mayor of Zhuhai municipal government, Long Guangyan delivered a speech. She said: “Culture is the soul of a city, while music is the most beautiful expression of culture. Music is the ambassador between nations. It deepens understanding and friendship. Zhuhai International Mozart Competition For Young Musicians is not only a platform of music communication between Zhuhai and Salzburg, but also a platform for young musicians to realise their dreams.”
珠海市人民政府副市长龙广艳上台致辞
Zhou Hao, renowned music critic, the China Representative of British Intermusica Agency, hosted the forum. Ye Xiaogang, Chen Zuohuang, Ms. Gudrun Hardiman-Pollross, Gustav Alink were the guests of the forum. From different points of view, they aired their opinions on this competition, and offered prospects and suggestions for the future.
文化论坛交流会上主持人和嘉宾们
Ms. Gudrun Hardiman-Pollross said: “I am very glad that Mayor Long introduced Mozart Competition to Zhuhai. The city impresses me as a classical music city. I congratulate on the complete success of this competition, it demonstrates the styles and features of classical music. I know Zhuhai Municipal Government has spared no effort to hold the competition, greatly facilitating the work of Austrian Embassy. So we are very grateful to Mayor Long. And for Zhuhai, classical music now plays an important role in the city.”
Gustav Alink said: “If there is no music in life, it will become dull and boring. Music is everything we have. We need musicians, so they are very important to us. Meanwhile, this activity has get everyone together in Zhuhai, even in China, to scout for these music talents. I’m very thankful for the efforts of organisers. I believe Zhuhai will continue to host such activity, because it’s very professional. And I also believe that when people mention Zhuhai in the future, they will say, ‘oh, it’s the city that holds Mozart Competition’.”
Ye Xiaogang said: “Holding the Mozart Competition in Zhuhai will enable the city to become a new internationalised and livable city in China. In my opinion, it could be one of the most livable cities in the entire world. Zhuhai is a young city, but it has excellent environment protection and cultural atmosphere, and the theatre we are in is also very good. This competition can increase citizens’ cultural quality in Zhuhai, offering better cultural nourishment to the next generation. And it is for the benefit of the people. I believe all these are the goal of Zhuhai Municipal Government to hold the competition. On the behalf of Chinese Musician Association, please allow me to offer my hearty congratulations to the organiser. And I think it is vital for them to persist. It is not enough to hold the competition only once. “Life is music” is a great slogan. I hope Zhuhai Municipal Government could continue to hold the competition.”
Chen Zuohuang said: “Frankly speaking, Salzburg has the name of the capital of music, and it is widely accepted in the world. At the same time, Zhuhai enjoys the reputation as the city of romance. As far as I am concerned, Zhuhai has developed itself in culture and arts after the competition. It is the social benefit brought by the competition.”
Zhou Hao summarized: “I know Salzburg is famous for Mozart, and Austria is the country of music. I believe Salzburg and Zhuhai will have some amazing connection on culture after the competition.”
