SHBS Event | Classics Across Languages — The “Voices of Literature” Classical Reading and Recitation Event Brings Cultural Collisions and Resonance
  • 2024-10-14
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As the autumn air deepens, we welcome a unique cultural feast — the "Voices of Literature" classical reading and recitation event. Here, we convey classics through our voices and connect emotions across continents, collectively experiencing the charm of Chinese culture and the fusion of world cultures.

Today's performance was hosted by Angelina Li and Ethan Hu. It was opened with "The Lute Song," a perfect blend of singing and recitation, beautifully interpreted by students Dora Hang, Claire Chen, and Lucas Sun. It transported us back to an ancient night filled with the sound of the pipa. Their rendition brought Bai Juyi's poem to life, with each note seemingly narrating the poignant story of the pipa player.

"Six kings have fallen, the four seas unite; the trees of Mount Shu have all been cut, the EPang Palace rises." Jason Cui's recitation took us on a journey to the grandeur of the EPang Palace. His full-bodied and powerful voice vividly illustrated Du Mu's description, making us feel as though we were stepping back in time to experience the resplendent palace.

Luca Zhu recited "A London Thoroughfare (2 a.m.)" in English, allowing us to feel the tranquility and depth of London at dawn. Her gentle and expressive voice sparked reflections on the solitude depicted in the poem.

Tim Shen's English recitation of "If" inspired us to bravely pursue our dreams, regardless of the challenges we face. His strong and passionate voice conveyed the perseverance and courage that the poem embodies.

Evony Huang, Jenny Liang, and Iva Li used the unique dialect of Shanghai to recite "Rain Alley", making us feel as if we were strolling through a misty Shanghai alley. Their performance was rich in local flavor, showcasing the melancholy and anticipation of Dai Wangshu's poem.

Next, four teachers took the stage for a dialect recitation segment. Principal Liu joined us, reciting "Early Spring Presented to Zhang the 18th" in Shanghai dialect, capturing the freshness and vitality of early spring. Her clear and vibrant voice perfectly expressed the exuberance of spring and the longing for friends in Han Yu's poem.

Not only did we enjoy Shanghai dialect, but also the Wuhan dialect, as Ms. Long recited "Yellow Crane Tower", bringing us the majesty and poetic beauty of the tower. Her passionate voice vividly portrayed the grandeur and deep emotions found in Cui Hao's poem.

Mr. Xie presented the Cantonese recitation of "Ding Feng Bo", showcasing the charm of Lingnan culture. His deep and magnetic voice led us through the openness and transcendence present in Su Shi's poem.

Ms. Chen recited in Sichuan dialect, immersing us in the bold spirit of Sichuan. Her enthusiastic and vibrant voice captured the grandeur and abandon in Li Bai's poem.

Lucas Zou and Mr. Wu performed a humorous skit together, introducing the great poet in a lighthearted manner. Their witty performance cleverly combined Li Bai's poetry with modern elements, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of poetry through laughter.

July Wu, Sucie Zhao, and Donna Yu recited "Mistakes", which captures the feelings of a woman longing for her loved one during wartime in a small Jiangnan town. Their voices effectively conveyed Zheng Chouyu's sentiments.

Next was a series of English poem recitations. "Questions of Travel" explored the meaning of travel. Mr. Marc's calm and philosophical voice helped us understand the relationship between travel and life expressed in the poem.

"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" encouraged us to resist bravely even in the twilight of life. Mr. Alec's English recitation inspired us, conveying the resilience and challenge found in Dylan Thomas's poem.

Ms. Rachael's English recitation allowed us to feel the mystery and allure of the ancient legend "The Highwayman." Her voice was dramatic, capturing the tension and romantic emotions of the poem.

The collective recitation of poems about the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, as well as "On the Love of the Lotus", by Kevin Ouyang, Joseph Wu, Jelf Qian, Rory Zheng, Remmi Zhu, Daniel Zheng, Perry Feng, and Chris Wang has taken us on a journey to appreciate the character of the "Four Gentlemen of Flowers" and the noble image of the lotus. It also demonstrates their profound understanding and love for traditional culture. This is not only a tribute to the symbolic meanings of these classic plants but also a continuation of the spirit of Chinese culture that they represent.

Finally, Angelina Li and Mike Yi sang "Do You Know," conveying deep feelings and sorrow through their melodious performance, effectively expressing the tenderness and lamentation in Li Qingzhao's lyrics.


Thank you to every participant for their wonderful performances and every audience member for their enthusiastic support, making this CAS event a resounding success. We look forward to the next "Voices of Literature" classical reading and recitation event, where we can gather again to experience the power of culture together!


文 | Dora Hang (G10)

译|Charlie Wu (G12)

图 | David Kong(G12), Thea Wu(G11), Isabella Zhou(G10)

排版 | Jang