On the afternoon of Friday 10 October, Lancaster University Confucius Institute co-hosted a special musical event, Songs from China: A Musical Workshop at Lancaster Priory, as part of the wider Love Lancaster Live celebrations. In collaboration with Lancaster University, Lancaster Priory, the Long Walk Orchestra from the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay Chinese Association, the workshop brought Chinese folk music to life in the heart of the city. The event successfully attracted 35 participants who immersed themselves in traditional Chinese music.

The event began with a warm musical welcome, as the Long Walk Orchestra played traditional Chinese melodies while attendees arrived. At 12.30pm, Dr Derek Hird, Director of Lancaster University Confucius Institute, and Anni Tracy, a local singing coach, officially opened the event offering words of welcome and setting the tone for an afternoon of cultural discovery and musical engagement.

The focus of the workshop was the well-known Chinese folk song《敖包相会》(“Meeting at the Aobao”), a romantic and melodic piece traditionally sung in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Vocalist Hao gave a stirring live performance of the song, offering attendees an inspiring demonstration.

Following the performance, Zhang Xue, a teacher from Lancaster University Confucius Institute, shared the cultural background of the piece—explaining its origins, the time of year it is typically sung, and the meaning behind key lyrics. Participants learned that "Aobao" refers to sacred stone piles on the grasslands, often used for worship or meetings, and the song tells the story of a romantic rendezvous between lovers at an Aobao under the moonlight.

Annie then led the group in vocal practice, guiding participants through pronunciation, melody, and rhythm. With enthusiasm and support, many attendees—some of whom had never sung in Chinese before—joined in confidently, turning the workshop into a joyful, shared musical experience.

At 2.00pm, guests enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea break, complete with authentic Chinese tea and mooncakes, adding a festive and seasonal touch to the event.

The afternoon concluded with an additional short singing session, during which participants had the opportunity to explore another Chinese song or refine their earlier practice. As the event came to a close, the Long Walk Orchestra once again filled the Priory with beautiful melodies, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere as attendees departed.

By bringing together music, language, and community, the Songs from China workshop offered a rich opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing participants to not only enjoy Chinese music but to engage actively with it, reflecting the Confucius Institute’s ongoing commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and global connection through the arts.