Shanghai Conservatory of Music Press Expands Global Reach with Multilingual Chinese Piano Works Publication and European Tour

The Shanghai Conservatory of Music Press has achieved a significant milestone in international cultural promotion with the successful completion of its European initiative focused on Chinese piano music. Supported by the Shanghai Municipal "Chinese Culture Going Global" Special Fund, the project encompassed both the international release of a multilingual music collection and an extensive cultural exchange program across Budapest, Vienna, and Munich from July 20–28, 2025.

Central to this initiative was the publication of Selected Chinese Piano Pieces, compiled by renowned piano educator Professor Dan Zhaoyi, which has now been made available in four languages—English, German, French, and Hungarian—through Editio Musica Budapest. This follows the collection's initial English edition published in New Zealand in 2021, significantly expanding its accessibility across European markets. The publication is recognized for its substantial artistic and pedagogical value, serving as a crucial resource for musicians and educators interested in Chinese musical traditions.

The project's launch event took place on July 21 at the prestigious House of Music in Budapest, featuring a multilingual book presentation accompanied by a concert that showcased the depth and diversity of Chinese piano repertoire. Fourteen Chinese teachers and students performed classic works such as Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, Jasmine Flower, and Pictures of Bashu, demonstrating technical proficiency and emotional depth. The cultural exchange was further enriched by collaborations with Hungarian musicians Gábor Gadó (cello) and Péter Jéger (piano), who delivered moving renditions of The Blooming of the Mountain Azaleas and My Motherland and Me, reflecting a genuine appreciation and understanding of Chinese musical themes.

Beyond performances, the program included educational components designed to foster deeper intercultural dialogue. Participants attended master classes led by distinguished European musicians including Imre Hargitai, Anikó Novák, Markus Prause, and Zhang Liming, gaining insights into different pedagogical approaches and performance techniques. A particularly memorable encounter was with Professor Walter Fleischmann, a legendary figure of the Viennese Piano School, who shared valuable perspectives on musical interpretation and tradition. The delegation's visit to G. Henle Verlag in Munich provided an additional layer of cultural and professional exchange, where President Dr. Norbert Gertsch discussed the German tradition of musical craftsmanship. Students had the unique opportunity to perform Chinese works on a piano historically used by Evgeny Kissin, symbolizing the bridging of musical heritages.

The nine-day program left a profound impact on both Chinese participants and European audiences, with experts and musicians praising the delegation's professionalism and enthusiasm. The initiative not only affirmed the cultural and artistic value of Chinese piano works but also established a sustainable model for future cultural promotions. This successful endeavor underscores Shanghai's commitment to fostering global cultural exchange and enhancing the international presence of Chinese music, potentially influencing educational curricula, performance repertoires, and cross-cultural collaborations worldwide.