Symphony Kūkai Resounds on the Banks of the River Thames
- Feb 2
- 1 min read
LONDON, Feb 1 (Xinhua) — By Yu Aicen and Zhao Jiasong
The symphony Kūkai was performed at the Royal Festival Hall on the banks of the River Thames on 30 January, featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra with a joint chorus from the Central Conservatory of Music Choir and the London Philharmonic Choir.
Composed by Chinese composer Zou Ye, the six-movement work draws on the legendary life of the Japanese Buddhist monk Kūkai. The symphony reflects his role in fostering the transmission and flourishing of Chinese culture in Japan, highlighting more than a millennium of cultural exchange between the two nations.
In 804 AD, Kūkai travelled to Tang China aboard a Japanese envoy vessel in search of Buddhist teachings. He studied under the eminent monk Huiguo and visited renowned temples before returning to Japan, where he founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. He also introduced elements of Chinese literature, calligraphy and scholarship to Japan.
Jesús Herrera, artistic director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, said that although the orchestra does not come from an Eastern cultural background, “music can portray every aspect of humanity”.
“We hope to connect different cultures through music — that is what we do best,” he added.
