Baritone Liao Changyong captivated audiences at the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum this morning with a stirring rendition of "The River Runs East," China's first art song. Composed in 1920 by Liao Shangguo during his time in Berlin, the piece blends an 11th-century poem by Su Shi with Western musical traditions, embodying a century of cultural dialogue.
The performance highlighted the forum's mission to foster global understanding through artistic exchange. Liao's resonant interpretation bridged eras and continents, drawing applause from diplomats, artists, and scholars attending the event. "This song represents more than music—it's a living archive of East-West collaboration," noted one attendee from Singapore.
Organizers emphasized the forum's role in showcasing Asia's evolving cultural narratives while preserving heritage. The event coincides with renewed interest in early 20th-century Sino-European artistic exchanges among academics and musicians worldwide.
