To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Macao SAR, City University of Macau, with heartfelt passion and respect, officially released two commemorative songs, “Macau, a Beautiful Place” and “Build Your Dreams in Macau.” Rector Jun Liu introduced the songs and their charms to faculty, students, and guests at the launch ceremony, which took place today.
Composed by Professor Dai Dingcheng from the Faculty of Innovative and Design and with lyrics by Assistant Professor Chan Ka Hou, these songs convey gratitude and blessings for the motherland and Macao through artistic expression, celebrate the city’s prosperous development, and showcase the patriotism and love for Macao of the CityU community.
During the release, the audience listened to the song “Macau, a Beautiful Place” to experience the charm of the lyrics and music. This song draws inspiration from folk music and uses it as the tone of its style. The song is a dynamic tapestry that paints a vibrant and passionate musical landscape, echoing the deep affection of Macao’s people for their local culture and their love for the motherland. The music acts as a bridge, spanning between Macao and the mainland, connecting past and future, reflecting dreams and hopes. It allows the audience to experience the love and respect emanating from Macao through the melodious tunes, their hearts dancing in time with the dynamics of the motherland.
The song “Build Your Dreams in Macau” was performed live by four singers: Cui Yiqian and Song Zilong, both doctoral students in Musicology from Faculty of Innovation and Design, as well as He Yuhao, a teacher from Kwong Tai Middle School, and Zheng Sufen, a teacher from Pui Va Middle School. This song blends lyrical pop with artistic poetic elements, like a delicate embroidery, intricately weaving together the imagery of the lyrics and the flow of the melody. It expresses with profound emotion of Macao’s people for their return to the motherland, as well as their enthusiasm and aspirations for a brighter future. This song is not only a beautiful melody but also a vivid portrayal of the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macao. It inspires audience to tell Macao’s stories, embrace diversity, actively integrate into the country’s development, and continue to write a beautiful chapter of the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao’s unique characteristics.
The music composer Dai Dingcheng holds professorship at the Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD). He serves on the Advisory Committee of the Chinese Musicians’ Association, is an adjudication panelist for the China National Arts Fund, and is an academic committee member of the national research center for elementary and middle school arts teaching materials at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Prof. Dai is a recipient of the “Medal of Merit–Culture” of the Macao SAR for his outstanding contribution to arts and culture.
The lyricist of the songs, Chan Ka Hou, is now an assistant professor at FIAD. He is the music director and conductor of the Art Troupe’s Choir. He once served the arts advisory committee at the School of Music of the Texas Christian University and served as accompanist at TCU Opera. He was a research and teaching assistant at the Herberbger School of Music of Arizona State University.
Source: CityU Reporter
