Photo/Provided by the organizer

On October 21, 2023, the 2023 Chengdu-Shenzhen Folk Music Festival was held.

The event featured a performance by Fang Lu, a folk musician from Yulin, China. Fang Lu performed two original folk songs, "The Song of Yulin" and "Chengdu," which crossed regional boundaries and captured the hearts of many people.

Yulin: A Welcoming Home for Musicians

As the general manager of "Music House," Fang Lu was honored to be a part of the event. In Fang Lu's eyes, Yulin is a welcoming home for musicians. "It is the soil for the growth of Chengdu music," he said. "Here, people understand and support each other. Different viewpoints can coexist peacefully in this area, which is a special phenomenon and characteristic of Chengdu. Everyone lives in their own way."

It was this sense of community that allowed Fang Lu to meet many talented musicians while working on "The Song of Yulin." He enjoyed the process of exchanging ideas and discussing music lyrics, melodies, and styles.

When musicians have a platform to express themselves and the opportunity to share their folk music with a wider audience, the songs they create become part of a flowing feast that is enjoyed by people living in the area. This feast then flows to other cities, attracting more people to connect with Chengdu folk music.

Singing the Song of Yulin to the World

In order to perform "The Song of Yulin" and "Chengdu" at their best in Shenzhen, Fang Lu and his band began rehearsing early on. They adjusted the arrangement of "Chengdu" and determined the instruments they would use for the live performance. They practiced repeatedly and paid attention to the details, giving their all to let the flower of folk music from Chengdu and Yulin bloom in the hearts of more people.

Fang Lu and his band's hard work paid off. From the rehearsal to the actual performance, "The Song of Yulin," which blends folk music and Yulin's local culture, was perfectly sung to the faraway audience. The fireworks of Chengdu and the music culture of Shenzhen collided and attracted each other. When the audience cheered, Fang Lu used his singing to welcome everyone to experience the Chengdu lifestyle, saying, "You might like it."

The 2023 Chengdu-Shenzhen Folk Music Festival Continues

The joint event between Chengdu and Shenzhen was a major milestone for the 2023 Chengdu-Shenzhen Folk Music Festival. It allowed people from other cities to glimpse the precious diversity and living styles of Chengdu and Yulin.

On October 29, the 2023 Chengdu-Shenzhen Folk Music Festival will conclude with a grand finale performance in Chengdu. The event will feature performances by folk singers from Shenzhen, musicians from Chengdu, and other talented musicians, including Chen Chusheng, Ma Di, Zhao Zhao, etc.