Melodie Zhao: Meet the magical pianist bringing the world collectively

She has magic in her fingers and has been exhibiting off her abilities in Berlin to celebrate relations between China and Germany.

Swiss-born Chinese language pianist and composer Melodie Zhao was serving to the 2 international locations recognize 50 years of diplomatic relationships.

Zhao spoke to CGTN about her love for music, German tradition and why her efficiency in Germany meant a lot to her.

“These are two international locations with such an extended historical past of tradition and innovations – and cultural alternate and export as nicely,” she tells CGTN. “As a classical musician, I am particularly fascinated by the tradition, after all, of symphonies in Germany. 

“For this live performance, we had among the finest orchestras on this planet – the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester, which is an A-list orchestra in Germany, and in Germany you have got so many super-good orchestras.” 

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The live performance was broadcast in China, to Zhao’s delight: “The truth that a channel with a broad viewers like CCTV desires to showcase one of the best of German tradition was, for me, only a great factor.”

Nevertheless, it would not shock her that such a present ought to have such a large reputation. Certainly, it demonstrates an ever-closer concord between the 2 cultures.

“This undertaking exhibits how Chinese language folks and the brand new technology are open to extra information, extra tradition from Germany and Europe,” she says.

Zhao was additionally delighted to seek out herself commissioned to create a composition, which she referred to as Ode to Peace. 

“It is form of the theme and the message that we wish to transport by way of music or tradition – that cultural alternate is at all times selling peace,” she explains. 

Deep and broad

Zhao thinks the connection between China and Germany has grown and developed as a result of the 2 cultures, regardless of being deep, are nonetheless broad-minded sufficient to soak up new inspirations.  

“It is two international locations with very deep cultural roots however on the identical time are very open-minded to new stuff – tips on how to progress, tips on how to make issues higher, how the longer term will seem like,” she says. 

“I believe it is a frequent worth that Germany and China appear to share, no less than from a creative viewpoint. And I believe that is additionally why this cultural alternate has grown.”