It is said that music is a universal language that transcends
boundaries. For this reason, it has always played an important
role in communication and cultural exchange between
different nations around the world.
One example of this is the weeklong outdoor "Germany
Promenade" music festival to be held this month, which is part
of the friendship-building "Germany and China – Moving Ahead
Together" project.
In August 2007, a series of interactive programs between
the two countries, focusing on areas such as economy, technology,
education and culture, was officially launched in the hope
of increasing mutual understanding and establishing a foundation
for long-term cooperation.
After being successfully held in Nanjing and Chongqing, the
project came to Guangzhou in late September, bringing with it
business opportunities, new concepts and traditional German
culture to the PRD region. For music lovers, it's the chance to
witness the diversity of German sounds, from traditional folk
music and pop ballads to electronica and rock'n'roll.
The musical feast on offer includes Germany's world-renowned
Hohner accordions, guitar music by the acclaimed
Morscheck and Burgmann duo and Bavarian folk songs and
dances by the Jodler and Schuhplattler group.
Vibrant pop tunes come take the stage alongside traditional
music. Kira, a young and talented indie singer, will sing at the
opening show. The band Monokino will bring together three versatile
musicians to play a kitschy combination of melodious
vocals and various instruments. As the very first country band
to enter the Eurovision Song Contest final, the Texas Lightning
quintet is famous for its extensive repertoire ranging from
country staples to 1970s disco hits. And there will be modern
takes on Bavarian traditional music, with Haindling mixing it
with rock and the 17 Hippies fusing it with pop and acoustic
elements.

Although he cancelled his Shenzhen concert earlier this
year, singer-songwriter Maximilian Hecker is making it up to
PRD fans with his signature soulful "airy pop" in Guangzhou.
Following him will be Christoph Haberer – a percussionist, a
composer, and a studio electronics expert. The Jeans Team
quartet will also present some very active DJs from Berlin.
Hardcore rockers will be thrilled with the arrival of the band
Letzte Instanz, whose music is usually defined as metal and
gothic, but is rather experimental and hard to classify. And
there is also dynamic hard rock queen Doro Pesch, a rare flower
in the men's world of rock, who promises to bring down the
house.
Meanwhile, outstanding home-grown musicians, including
Wang Yong from Beijing, and The Swamp, 3 Step and Yerboli
who are already well-known to local audiences, will share the
stage with their German counterparts.
To enable interaction between Chinese and German musicians,
both sets will create improvised music for one silent
movie from each other's country. Last but not least, the world
premiere of the musical play "Cantus Buranus" will be performed
together by Berlin's medieval rock band Corvus Corax
and Xinghai Conservatory Orchestra and Choir.

// The "Germany
Promenade" music festival will take place every night from November 7 to 15 (except
for Nov. 12) at the West Gate Square of Tianhe Sports Center in Guangzhou.
Free admission, daily 6pm onwards. For more information, visit www.dezhongtongxing.
com