Mr. Kong Xiangdong, a Famous Musician Sets Up Branch School in Macao

A branch school of the Kong Xiangdong Music Art Centre was formally opened on July 24, 2004 with the aim of promoting music and art education in Macao. It will also provide a stage for local musicians to display their talents.

The First Musician Who Made a Business Investment in Macao
Mr. Kong Xiangdong is the first internationally renowned musician to invest in Macao by setting up a music school, which he named after himself. Compared with other private music schools, the Kong Xiangdong Music Art Centre boasts highly equipped classrooms and professional equipment. The world-renowned pianist opened the Kong Xiangdong Music Art Center in Shanghai in 1997. He broke quite a number of new records in his career. For example, he was the first Chinese musician to perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and the first artist to stage a big concert at the "Roof of the World". Now he has become the first musician from outside Macao to set up a music and art school and to promote music education in Macao.

Mr. Kong is one of the best and most active young Chinese pianists on the international music stage. His remarkable music talent was amply shown when he was still a young man taking part in international competitions. His concerts and performances took him to more than 40 countries all over the world, so he bears witness to the development of international social and cultural undertakings. So why did he choose Macao? Mr. Kong responded, "I love Macao because it is a warm and comfortable place. Moreover, I hope I can contribute to art education in Macao."

Rich Cultural Heritage
Macao is a small place and not yet as well-known as some of its neighbouring cities. Then what lies behind Mr. Kong´s decision to set up a branch of his music and art centre in Macao? Mr. Kong says Macao has its own advantages and unique resources to be shared. Macao is a meeting place of the Eastern and the Western civilizations. It boasts a rich heritage in traditional Chinese culture. It is also hugely influenced by Western cultures, namely Portugal and other European countries. As a melting pot of the Chinese and Western cultures, Macao can offer a very good platform for music and cultural undertakings.

To many people, Macao is a tourist destination dominated by casinos, whose small music market does not play a prominent role in international cultural affairs. Nevertheless, Mr. Kong thinks differently. "I do not agree. I think Macao has a rich cultural heritage. Its local culture has been developing steadily. Rapid economic growth following Macao´s return to China will accelerate its cultural development. The most pressing thing for now is to bring in talents and create unique cultural brands in Macao. I believe in this way we can leverage Macao´s own strengths and build a prosperous and strong cultural industry in Macao." In his view, international cultural competition may have an impact on civil society that most people can hardly imagine as it can boost local cultural development, improve the quality of life of local people and increase Macao´s international exposure.

Looking Forward to Hosting an International Piano Competition in Macao
Macao has yet to play host to international music and art competitions, so the Kong Xiangdong Music Art Center hopes that it can be the pioneer in holding an international piano competition in Macao by co-operating with the government and various organizations. Mr. Kong says his centre will try to hold such a competition in 2005 or 2006. He also hopes that the event will reinforce Macao´s cultural identity, so that Macao will have its due place on the international cultural map.

Situated on Level B1 of the Macao Tower Convention and Exhibition Cente, the Macao Branch of the Kong Xiangdong Music Art Centre has a total area of more than 5,000 square feet. It has 14 fire-proof and sound-proof classrooms and piano rooms. The Centre now offers classes in a dozen music instruments, including piano, violin, electric piano, Chinese zither- guzheng, and classes in vocal music and music introduction. Since enrollment started in April 2004, the centre has already accepted nearly 100 students. According to Mr. Kong, enrollment is better than expected. He is confident more students will enroll once there is more public transport to the Macao Tower, and after the completion of the third Macao-Taipa bridge. As for criteria for enrollment, he said, smilingly, that his oldest student on the mainland is 83 and the youngest is only three years old. In other words, the centre does not maintain special criteria or quota for enrollment. Anyone interested in music is welcome. The school in Macao can take only 150-180 students, due to the limited space. Nevertheless, if one school is not enough, Mr. Kong said he would open a second or even a third school here.

Mr. Kong says music education in Macao is not good enough, so many students go elsewhere to find qualified music teachers. He believes education quality is of vital importance, so he pledges that he will incorporate internationally advanced music and art education in the teaching of his school in Macao. It is his hope that advanced music education philosophy and techniques will make a good head start in the first couple of years after opening of the school, so that it can train more music talents for Macao, enrich local music and cultural education and attract students from elsewhere to study at the Centre in order to develop the school into one of Macao´s famous cultural brands.

Kong Xiangdong Music Art Centre
Address: Shop Units No. 8-9, B1 Floor, Macao Tower Convention " Entertainment Centre
Tel: (853) 960181
Fax: (853) 960180
Website: www.kxd-music.org
E-mail: info@kxd-music.org

< Top >