Visiting a part of the world with a vastly different political system and culture was eye-opening.
Besides singing, one of the most striking experiences was browsing Chinese web browsers and news sites and noticing the state propaganda around the city. The way current events were presented, often with a much more positive spin, was interesting.
While I strongly oppose mass surveillance, I was surprised to see an unexpected benefit: the freedom cyclists had to leave their expensive bikes unattended without fear of theft. Although I believe this advantage doesn't outweigh the significant human rights concerns, it did offer me a glimpse into another perspective.
Finally, seeing the Great Wall of China, which dates back to the 7th century BC, offered some timeless lessons. The sheer size and endurance of the wall showed me just how far civilizations will go to protect themselves, both physically and psychologically. The wall wasn’t just a physical barrier; it was also a psychological one, sending a message of strength and deterrence to potential invaders. It drove home what I had seen throughout Beijing - that sometimes the perception of power can be just as important as actual power. The wall also made me think about the downside of isolation. While it provided security, it also symbolised a desire to keep out external influences, which, over time, led to stagnation and, eventually, the wall falling into disrepair. This had a negative impact on the Chinese economy at several points in history, even contributing to the collapse of some empires. So, while barriers can protect, they can also limit growth and exchange—something that feels like a perfect analogy for my first year at Kings.
The Choir of King’s College London recently had the honour of performing at the 17th International China Chorus Festival in Beijing. 🌏🎶
Joining 16,000 singers from around the world, our choir performed three concerts, illustrated a masterclass on conducting led by Dr Joseph Fort, Music Director and Senior Lecturer in the Music Department, and participated in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Their repertoire included folk classics, British part-songs, and two Chinese folk songs, "Mo Li Hua" and "Kang Ding Love-song." These final pieces were particularly well-received, earning cheers and applause from the audiences.
Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eeaK-Q5H
