Qilu and the South Sea: A Harmony of Cross-Border Resonance at UTAR

Spanning centuries, the Chinese orchestra has traversed across the world, carrying with it a cultural legacy as rich as any of its global musical counterparts. Each note played on its instruments conveys tradition, storytelling, and an unspoken ability to connect people across cultures.

On 16 July 2025, these timeless melodies found their way to Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik at UTAR Kampar Campus, where they filled the evening air with harmony and grace—carolling the songs of harmonised cultures.

The cross-border event brought together the UTAR Kampar Chinese Orchestra (金宝拉曼大学华乐团) and the Shandong Youth National Orchestra (山东青年民族乐团), comprising musicians from both Shandong University (SDU) and Dezhou University (DZU) for a cultural exchange performance.

Drawing an audience of over 1,000, the Shandong Youth National Orchestra’s Exchange Performance in Malaysia was jointly organised by UTAR, SDU, and DZU, and co-organised by the Confucius Institute at UTAR and the UTAR Kampar Chinese Orchestra. The event was held with advisory support from the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Malaysia and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang.

“Qi Lu Nan Yang · He Ming Zhi Yin” (齐鲁南洋·和鸣知音). The evening embodied a harmonious meeting of musical cultures between Shandong (Qilu; 齐鲁) and Malaysia (South Sea; 南洋), where the language of friendship resonated through the Chinese orchestral traditions of both lands.

Mellifluous yet orotund tunes flowed from traditional instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, dizi, and pipa. The passion emanated from the powerful display of orchestral movements by the young music lovers from Shandong University, Dezhou University, and UTAR was evident. With each note played, they not only breathed life but also imbued cultural elements from the two regions into the medley of compositions and dances.

‘Shared virtuosity from the old, distinct cultures from two lands.’ The spirit of Qilu shone as the ensemble from the homeland of Confucius brought heritage to life. Likewise, Malaysia’s rich diversity radiated through the adept performances of the UTAR Kampar Chinese Orchestra.

As the concert reached its crescendo, the solemn elegance of northern Chinese folk melodies merged with vibrant local interpretations shaped by Malaysia’s very own multicultural roots—weaving a symphony of sound that transcended the ancient artistry to forge lasting friendship beneath a resonant sky.

In conjunction with the success of the Confucius Institute at UTAR’s first Chinese Singing Competition, He Ming Zhi Yin (和鸣知音), the winners of the competition were also announced at the China-Malaysia exchange performance.

The winners of the Confucius Institute at UTAR’s first Chinese Singing Competition are as follows:

Non-Chinese Group

Open Group

Secondary School Group

The Secretary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Mr Tang Jing said in his welcome remarks, “Over the past half century, the two economies have upheld respect and treated each other as equals, bearing fruitful results across areas such as trade, technology, education, and culture. More than that, deep bonds of friendship have been nurtured through people-to-people exchanges.”

He added, “Culture serves as the spiritual bridge connecting China and Malaysia’s friendship, and music is the most vibrant thread woven into that bridge. The Shandong Youth National Orchestra’s performance is not only an artistic showcase but also a vivid embodiment of cultural exchange between our two economies.”

In an online interview, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat remarked, “The visit by SDU and DZU has not only built a bridge for artistic dialogue between China and Malaysia’s higher education institutions but also used music as a medium to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our people. This injects a fresh cultural vitality into China-Malaysia relations.”

UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong said, “As stated in the Record of Music from the Book of Rites (礼记·乐记): ‘Music is the harmony of Heaven and Earth.’ Music is not only a crystallisation of culture, but a universal medium that transcends language. Just like this ‘Qi Lu Nan Yang · He Ming Zhi Yin’ musical gathering has brought together Chinese music enthusiasts from Shandong and Malaysia, transcending language and achieving spiritual resonance through the harmony of Heaven and Earth.”

The Dean of DZU College of Music Prof Ma Xiqian said, “DZU and UTAR have long maintained a close and fruitful partnership. This cultural exchange performance, using Chinese traditional music as a medium, not only marks a new chapter in deepening collaboration between the two universities, but also stands as a significant milestone in advancing the internationalisation of education between China and Malaysia.”

Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (China), Prof Dr Ma Yingxin, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to build a cultural bridge via music. She said, “This performance embodies the spirit of ‘mutual learning among civilisations and shared beauty in diversity’ (文明互鉴、美美与共). Through this bridge of traditional music, one that transcend language, we hope that Malaysian audiences can experience the depth of Chinese culture, while young artists from China draw inspiration from the richness of Malaysia’s multicultural landscape.”

Also present at the concert were UTAR Council Member and UTAR Hospital Board Chairman Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, DZU College of Music Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Xu Qi, SDU School of Arts Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Prof Zhu Wei, SDU Office of International Chinese Language Education Deputy Director Mr Ren Xiangrong, SDU Office of International Chinese Language Education Officer Mr Zhang Xiaohui, students and staff from UTAR, SDU, and DZU.

‘Diverse philosophies linked through age-old melodies, lasting friendships shared in the tropical land of concord.’ As aficionados of the ancient art of Chinese music shared their passion and heritage at UTAR Kampar Campus, the grand hall transformed into a living bridge between Shandong and Malaysia. More than a performance, each note became a voice for cultural legacy and the enduring amity between their peoples—a celebration of musical unity brought to life by UTAR, SDU, and DZU.