QINGDAO has a reputation as the “Island of the Violin.” In recent years, a series of high-level music competitions have been conducted in the city, bringing intensive exchange and mix of international musical concepts.

    Since 2005, Qingdao has been chosen to conduct three grand competitions initiated by China’s Ministry of Culture — China international violin competition, China youth violin competition and China violin graded competition.

    Thanks to these competitions, Qingdao has become a gathering place for international and domestic music professionals, laying a solid foundation for musical exchange with foreign countries.

    There are also other musical activities. This year, Qingdao invited 10 prominent pianists from home and abroad to perform and have face-to-face interaction with residents.

    China’s first violin professor Tan Shuzhen was born in Qingdao and China’s first violin was produced in Qingdao. Qingdao is also home to a number of internationally famous musicians, including Lu Siqing, Li Chuanyun and Wu Lingfen.

    Most universities in Qingdao have opened music departments. Elementary music education in primary and middle schools has constantly taking a pioneering role in China. There is also a popular music education center in Qingdao. Hundreds of high-level international and domestic concerts are held in Qingdao each year.

    In 2005, Qingdao reconstructed the Qingdao people’s hall and the Qingdao University concert hall with investments of 30 million yuan (US$4.4 million) and 2 million yuan respectively.

    The city has also upgraded musical facilities and built a symphony orchestra that has collaborated with a number of top artists.

    Qingdao is building itself into a real “Island of the Violin,” which will let more people know that apart from natural scenery, there is also art and music in the city.

    (Jane Lai, Li Wei)