The Epoch Times is proud to join with New Tang Dynasty T.V. and Sound of Hope Radio in co-sponsoring "Myths and Legends," NTDTV's Chinese New Year Global Gala. This article is one of a series meant to introduce this unique and important event.
"I love China. It is my birthplace and my country. I love Chinese culture. It is the essence of civilization with a history of 5,000 years. People began working when the Sun rose and went home to rest when the Sun set. In Spring, people enjoyed the peach blossom and in the Fall they gained pleasure from watching the blooming chrysanthemum. Men worked in the fields, women wove, and children played joyfully. People knew the benefits of accumulating virtue and being kind. The home was clean and tidy. The ladies wore dresses with light make-up. The wives were educating the children and helping out with their husbands. In their spare time people played musical instruments, painted and did calligraphy, or played chess. They also enjoyed watching the reflection of the white clouds on the water."
The words are from the song "Passion for China." I still remember the well-known singer Yang Jiansheng, from the former Chinese Central Symphony Orchestra, performing "Passion for China" at NTDTV's first Chinese New Year Gala in 2004. It deeply inspired and moved people. The 2006 NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala approaches. When I found out that Ms. Yang Jiansheng will perform in this year's Gala, I called Ms. Yang who currently residents in Germany.
ET: In the past two years, you participated in the NTDTV Gala. I heard it was because you were moved by the profound inner meaning of the Chinese culture. Is that true?
Ms. Yang Jiansheng: Yes. In fact, we are presenting the genuine traditional Chinese culture in the field of the performing arts. It is not the kind of "culture" that the China mainland authorities have been promoting, which only serves their political purposes. All this has to go back to the culture passed down from Gods, such as Hetu , Luoshu , and the Book of Changes, etc. Aren't all these passed down from Gods? Gods told humans what kind of culture they should have, what kind of life style they should have and what kind of moral principles that they should follow. In fact, we should return to such a path. Human beings should live following heaven's will. It is not like what the Chinese Communist Party advocates: fighting with the heaven, the earth, and humanity.
ET: No matter whether they are Chinese or western, recently when they order tickets, quite a few people have asked what kind of culture does the NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala try to represent? What are the differences?
YJ: Take the "Passion for China" as an example, it describes the following scene: People rest when the Sun sets; man ploughs the fields, and woman weaves at home, teaching the children and helping the husband; People revere Gods and heaven and respect lives. The scene reflects the essence of the traditional Chinese culture: It values the unity of heaven and humankind. The reason that Chinese culture could survive for nearly five thousand years is that the culture keeps this essence.
The NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala has done a very good job in representing this essence of Chinese culture.
ET: In terms of performing songs, what are the differences between modern songs, songs in the past, and the songs that you like to perform?
YJ: There are huge differences. For example, in China now, you can only sing songs expressing the greatness of the Chinese Communist Party. The songs are supposed to serve only politics. It will not be allowed if one is off this subject. From this point of view, I feel that in China it is very hard to have genuine performing arts because everything has to serve politics.
I believe that one role of the performing arts is to reflect people's deep longing for beauty and righteousness. For example, music is a tool given by Gods for humans to express their reverence to Gods. Why is there a saying that music has no boundaries? It is a special language. Although one may not understand the words, one will burst into tears or be wild with joy listening to the music.
ET: We cannot hear the ancient music any more. However, we still can get an idea of the music by reading ancient poetry. Can you talk about how ancient people expressed love, passion, righteousness, and other feelings?
YJ: For example, let's go back to the Tang Dynasty. It is recorded that there was "Yang Guan San Die" in which people expressed their feelings of cherishing friendships. Another example is from the Song Dynasty, a love song which states, "I live at the head of the Yangtze River. You live at the tail of the Yangtze River. I miss you every day. Though I cannot meet you, we all drink the same water from the Yangtze River." It uses the water from the Yangtze River to symbolize unbreakable and loyal love. Modern people have an unclear understanding of love presented in this song. It you talk about it, people may laugh at you. However, it is really the best part of our nation's culture. Yuefei's Man Jiang Hong (The famous general in the Southern Song Dynasty, and his famous poem) was full of power and grandeur. He would give up everything of himself for the country.
ET: What are you going to perform this year? Can you tell your audience?
YJ: I have composed a new song. It is about Chinese history and tries to express the most brilliant, true, and outstanding aspects of Chinese history.
ET: Do you have anything to say to our Chinese audience?
YJ: From the popularity of Da-Chang-Jin (a TV drama from Korea) in mainland China to the bravery of attorney Gao Zhisheng, I understand that the Chinese people are the same as other nationalities. They also yearn for goodness. They have kindness in their heart. There are also some very brave people. What is expressed in the song "Passion for China" is true: China is a place with crouching tigers and hidden dragons. There are many people with high virtues and moral standards.
From this perspective, the NTDTV New Year Gala is a catalyst for the Chinese people's longing for kindness and beauty. Once people watch such an event, Chinese people will understand what is the true traditional culture and what they are yearning for.
ET: I still remember in your song "Passion for China," there are such phrases: "Noble men value benevolence. They respect the heaven and know the history of everything. They have harmonious families and know how to take care of the country. They cultivate their mind and are knowledgeable about civil and military matters. China, a memory from long time ago cares about you. China, you let so many people with high virtues dream about you." I hope your new song will leave ever lasting memories for the North American audience.
Ms. Yang Jiansheng will participate in the NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala in 2006 in North America. She will perform a new song. Besides the performances in New York on January 20 and 21, she will also join a road show in Boston on January 7, The Greater Philadelphia Area at Wilmington on January 24, and Washington D.C. on February 17.
For tickets please call: 888-260-6221, or visit our webpage .
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