LONDON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The University of Birmingham has marked Chinese New Year with a special star-studied concert featuring a magical fusion of East and West.
World-class pianist Di Xiao and cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber helped the university's China Institute celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig with a mix of traditional Chinese and Western pieces on Thursday.
They were joined in the Elgar Concert Hall by flautist Dennis Kwong Thye Lee and BBC Young Musician of the Year 2018 Lauren Zhang in a celebration concert offering a unique and exciting program with piano, cello and flute combining western and eastern repertoires.
Zhang, aged 17, who won the prestigious BBC competition, lives in Birmingham with her parents, who both work at the University of Birmingham.
Di Xiao has held teaching positions at both the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Conservatoire. Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, who graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is married to British cellist Julian Lloyd Webber.
Dennis Kwong Thye Lee has been performing in traditional Chinese orchestras since early childhood and teaching music for over 20 years. He performs regularly with the UK Chinese Ensemble.
The event highlighted the university's engagement with China, for instance, research collaborations with Chinese universities.
Jon Frampton, Director of the university's China Institute, said: "Chinese New Year offers the perfect opportunity for the University of Birmingham to reflect upon our proud and longstanding relationship with China, which spans over 100 years."
"We were delighted to welcome all our musicians to this outstanding event, but it gave us a special thrill that Lauren Zhang performed alongside these world-class musicians, given her special connection to the university," he said.
Birmingham's relationship with China dates back to the foundation of the university, with the first Chinese student joining the university in 1907. There are now over 14,000 Chinese alumni.
