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Qingdao Music City

Historical records tell us that from 1902 until 1911 orchestras performed at the seaside in Qingdao almost every afternoon, beginning a musical tradition that continues to this day at the Qingdao Music Hall, at the Qingdao People’s Hall and on city squares throughout the year. 

The recently renovated Qingdao Music Hall and Qingdao People’s Hall have become heavens for music lovers in this seaside city on the Shandong Peninsula in East China, where performances are given by master musicians from China and around the world. In both venues, chairs, walls and floors are made of materials that enhance melodies and reduce noise. Information about the world’s top 10 orchestras, renowned musicians and the music they play is displayed in the lobbies.

Fang Kun, a famous Chinese music educator, said, “Qingdao is one of two cities in China with good music traditions. Many Qingdao musicians specialize in the violin and piano," as he explained why music festivals in Qingdao often feature world-class violin and piano performances.

In Qingdao, fall is the peak season for music performances and contests. The Qingdao Music Festival has been held every year since 2005. During the one-month festival, both foreign and local orchestras and musicians give performances. During the first festival, overseas guests giving performances included Qingdao-born violinist Lu Siqing and tenor Mo Hualun. American and German orchestras were also on the list. Concerts are also staged in the city’s beautiful public squares where they are viewed by thousands.

The second festival was more colourful, with highlights such as the Eighth National Violin Competition, German Music Master Classes, World Tour of International Piano Masters, and the Performance Season of the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra.

Another music feast in Qingdao is the China International Violin Competition which is held every three years. The First China International Violin Competition in 2005 had the participation of 77 violinists from more than 20 countries and regions.

As a co-host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, the Qingdao Municipal Government has organized “The Voice of Olympics” weekend concerts in the Qingdao Music Hall. Tickets are priced at 30 yuan-80 yuan to meet the needs of the public. Free concerts are regularly held there for promising musicians aged 18 or younger, and these local young people are often invited to take part in the joint performances with international masters.

August and September 2007 will be another fine musical season in Qingdao. From August 17–23, the 2007 International Music Master Classes will be held, joined by the First National Excellent Violin Players Show on August 23–28 and the 2007 Qingdao Music Festival on August 17.