On October 26th, the inaugural “Minnan Soul” Minnan Language Choral Arts Festival took place in Zhangzhou, Fujian, attracting 20 choral groups from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, including three from Taiwan. The event brought together over a thousand enthusiasts of Minnan songs, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Minnan region.
The performances were divided into afternoon and evening sessions, featuring a vibrant array of talent. Classic Minnan songs like “Wang Chun Feng” and “Diu Diu Tong Zai” highlighted the unique charm of Minnan music, while original pieces such as “Zhangzhou Ancient City, A Good Place,” “Heart Returning to Peace,” and “The Road of Life” showcased the Minnan people’s love for their homeland and their reflections on life. Notably, the Zhangzhou University Choir performed “Grateful to the Motherland,” an original song composed by Li Ruibei, a well-known Taiwanese businessman, which expressed the feelings of Taiwanese people thriving in mainland China towards their homeland.
Three Taiwanese choirs participated: the Taipei Alice Choir, the Kinmen County Choir, and the Taiwan Qingxin Choir. They performed six local Minnan songs, including “Mother’s Lullaby,” “The Little Train in Alishan,” and “The Half Moon Sinks in the River.” The harmony of exquisite melodies and deep cultural roots allowed both mainland and Taiwanese choirs to express the confidence and allure of Minnan culture together.
In his address, Hong Yachang, honorary advisor of the Fujian Minnan Cultural Research Society, highlighted that the festival successfully combined tradition with modernity, showcasing the essence and style of Minnan culture in the new era. He emphasized that the event served as a musical bridge for artists from both sides to understand the profound depth and unique charm of Minnan culture, fostering emotional connections and promoting cultural integration across the strait.
The festival was organized by the Fujian Provincial Association for Taiwan Compatriots, the Fujian Provincial Choral Association, and others, with support from Zhangzhou Yuan Mountain Development Co., Ltd. and Fujian Kangzhiwei Food Industry Co., Ltd.
