In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) and the 20th anniversary of the Sino-British College, USST (SBC-USST), the College has launched a series of twin celebration events. On the evening of 31 March, an erhu healing music lecture titled “Strings of Heritage: An Erhu Healing Journey – A Springtime Musical Celebration” was held at the SBC Tearoom. The event featured Professor Ma Xiaohui, Honorary Professor of SBC, a nationally recognised first-tier performer, erhu artist, and a leading figure in cross-border Shanghai-style folk music, along with her distinguished guests. Attendees included Yang Yan, Head of the Culture and Sports Division at the Shanghai International Culture Association; Professor Laura Bishop, Executive Dean of SBC; Cai Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of SBC; as well as faculty and student representatives.
Healing Through Strings: Music Without Borders
The lecture opened with a duet performed by Professor Ma Xiaohui and Dr Timothy A Kelly, a music psychology expert, combining the erhu with the guitar. The expressive tones of the erhu intertwined with the gentle melodies of the guitar, creating a therapeutic musical journey and showcasing music’s dual power to heal and to educate. Professor Ma guided the audience through the origins and cultural significance of the erhu, exploring its embodiment of Eastern aesthetic charm and tracing its heritage. Dr Kelly, drawing on his medical research, shared insights into the role of music in relieving stress, easing anxiety, and awakening inner strength, emphasising that the healing power of music transcends borders and speaks to a shared human experience. During the interactive session, a student commented: “The artists’ perspectives gave me a completely new understanding of music as an art form. The English-language delivery perfectly fits SBC’s international character and also reflects the spirit of openness and inclusiveness that marks USST’s 120th anniversary.”
Guest performance
Crossing Boundaries: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
A key highlight of the lecture was its cross-genre fusion, showcasing the vitality of cultural heritage and innovation during this twin celebration year. Professor Ma Xiaohui performed the classic concerto Butterfly Lovers alongside young pianist Cao Chenxi and young cellist Ma Keruixi, both from the “Music Prodigy” Chamber Orchestra. Their performance breathed new life into this millennium-old melody by blending classical tradition with contemporary interpretation. Cao Chenxi and Ma Keruixi also presented a piano-vocal performance of “Dead Man” and a cello solo respectively. Their impromptu duet not only demonstrated their solid musical foundation and a cross-cultural fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics but also brought the atmosphere to a peak. The applause and cheers lingered long after the final note.
Guest performers interpreting Butterfly Lovers
A Year of Twin Celebrations: Music That Travels Far
The lecture drew to a close with an uplifting rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, with audience members spontaneously joining in, raising the energy once again. In her closing remarks, Professor Laura Bishop noted that the erhu carries the heritage of Chinese culture, while Western instruments convey traditions from other parts of the world. Their fusion not only demonstrates the inclusiveness of Chinese culture but also allows the Chinese and international students and staff of SBC to experience the richness of diverse cultural traditions. She expressed her hope that, on this special occasion of twin celebrations, young students would come to appreciate the beauty of music, engage with traditional heritage, and embrace multiculturalism. Cai Hui added her wish that everyone would find both the splendour of the twin celebrations and the poetry of spring through the resonant strings, gaining inner peace and strength from the healing power of music – and that students would carry this artistic inspiration forward on their personal journeys of growth.
Group photo
For 120 years, USST has never ceased its commitment to learning and culture; for 20 years, SBC has steadily advanced with its overarching themes. May this gathering of erhu performance add to the twin celebrations further artistic brilliance and human warmth. Looking ahead, SBC will continue to mark the 120th anniversary of USST and the 20th anniversary of SBC by enriching campus cultural activities and writing a new chapter that honours heritage while embracing innovation.
