On the evening of October 25th, the celebration of Peihua University’s 95th anniversary and the 2023 Freshmen Welcome Gala took place at the sports arena of Xi’an Peihua University’s Chang’an campus. Peihua faculty and students gathered for this grand event, showcasing the spirited and determined attitude of the Peihua community as they forged ahead. The entire university leadership, heads of departments and centers, alumni representatives, faculty representatives, and student representatives attended the gala.
Overture
Sand Art: “Peihua Memories”
Text/Music: Li Long
Performer: Young Sand Artist Pan Weiru
Using sand as ink and hands as brushes, a splendid sand art performance vividly portrayed the glorious 95-year development history of Peihua. 95 years of diligent cultivation, 95 years of hardships and struggles, and 95 years of fruitful achievements. With an unwavering original intention, Peihua sails in the waves, raises the sail of hope in the sunlight, and sets off towards the future!
Dr. Jiang Bo, chairman of Xi’an Peihua University, first expressed sincere gratitude to all the faculty, staff, and alumni who contributed to the university’s anniversary celebration. He reviewed Peihua’s development journey, spanning 95 years through challenges and triumphs, embodying the relentless efforts of generations of Peihua individuals. As the university strides towards a century, he hopes that all Peihua members would remember the spirit of the school motto: “Upholding the Reputation, Prioritizing the Quality, Striving for Self-improvement, and Pioneering for Advancement”. He urged everyone to stay grounded, work diligently, and strive relentlessly to provide satisfactory education for the people and build a high-level private university.
Renowned broadcasting artists Xu Jie and Sun Wei, along with Jia Dengyin, a teacher from the Broadcasting and Hosting Art major of the School of Communication of Xi’an Peihua University, and Hei Mengqi, served as the hosts for the event.
Chapter One: Facing Wind and Rain
Dance: “Joyous Celebration in a Flourishing Era”
Performer: Phoenix Dance Troupe of Xi'an Peihua University
The enthusiastic dance painted a beautiful picture of prosperity and harmony in the new era of China. It depicted the aspirations of Peihua individuals for a better life, immersing both faculty and students in a joyful atmosphere.
Song: “The Youth of China Speak”
Singers: Xu Wenjun from the School of Architecture and Art Design, and Hong Siyu from the School of Media Studies
Martial Arts: Liu Jihao, Zhu Zengdong, Yan Tao, and Yang Sihao from the School of Physical Education
With the ability to bring peace through culture and establish order through martial prowess, the captivating singing and martial arts performance held the audience’s attention, captivating them in the moving rendition of the singers and the skilled maneuvers of the martial artists.
Latin Dance: “Beijing Charm”
Performers: Yao Xinyue, Gao Yuting, and others from the Women’s College
The fusion of Latin dance and traditional opera, with its innovative form and graceful movements, showcased the cultural openness and inclusivity of traditional culture.
Song: “Counter-Strike”
Performers: Hong Siyu, Xu Wenjun, Xiao Jian, and Chen Lingjie
The strong and powerful vocals sang out the passionate youth of Peihua students, igniting the enthusiasm of the audience.
Classical Dance: “Only This Green”
Performers: Mo Hua Dance Troupe from the Mu Hua Art Workshop,
School of Humanities and International Education
With dance portraying the willows swaying and the moon over the tower low, and song encapsulating the wind beneath the peach blossom fan, the stage vividly brought back the aesthetics of the Great Song Dynasty. Connecting a millennium of stillness and movement, it provided the audience with an immersive “appreciating paintings” experience.
Chapter Two: Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits
Acrobatics: “Dream Butterfly”
Performers: Zhang Wenju, Wang Meiqi from the Warrior Flag Acrobatics Troupe
Artistic and visually appealing performance that captivated the audience, marveling at the skillful interpretation of the performers.
Street Dance: “We Are One”
Performer: Phoenix Dance Troupe, Xi’an Peihua University
The members of the dance troupe ignited the entire venue with their dynamic dance moves.
Song: “My Future Style”
Performers: Xiao Jian, Chen Lingjie, Chen Jiayu, Huang Jingxia
The lively singing and dynamic rhythm allowed the students to freely express themselves on stage, showcasing their passionate youth.
Classical Dance: “Spring Stroll by the Rain Stream”
Performer: Phoenix Dance Troupe of Xi’an Peihua University
Arriving in spring and returning in the rain, the drizzling rain in the south of the Yangtze River, graceful and charming beauties. In this dance, let’s enjoy a gentle and continuous spring rain.
Song: “Blooming Flowers Forget Sorrows”
Performers: Suyixin and Zhang Xinyi from the College of Intelligent Science and Information Engineering
The music plays, and as time and life intertwine, we hear the sounds of their passage in the melody.
Chapter Three: Passing on the Torch
Picachen (Feng Jiachen) and Wang Zengzhi, the internet celebrities known for their viral videos, took the stage at Peihua, delivering a performance full of wisdom and humor.
Song: “Dreamer”
Performers: Zhang Lanxin, Zhang Ziyi, Chen Jiayu, Huang Jingxia
Peihua students sing with heart and emotion, expressing their inner voices, “As long as you dare to dream, even if you haven’t reached the ideal, at least there are cherished memories”.
Cheerleading: “Youth Soars”
Performers: Peng Shenhui, Yang Xinsu, etc. from the School of Physical Education
They showcased the dynamic vitality and youthful spirit of Peihua University with bright smiles and nimble steps.
Song with Dance: “Longing”
Singer: Yue Guang, Faculty of Humanities and International Education
Dance Accompaniment: Mo Hua Dance Troupe from the Mu Hua Art Workshop
Notes leap in the air, and dance steps harmonize with the melody. Keeping true to the original aspiration, filled with the people’s aspirations, refined through challenges, the steps remain composed, and the people of Peihua are always on the journey!
Street Dance: “Bring Em Out”
Performer: Phoenix Dance Troupe, Xi’an Peihua University
The high-level street dance moves, coupled with a passionate and energetic performance, along with the seamless coordination among the dancers, crafted this remarkable dance showcase.
Chapter Four: Uniting Forces to Forge Ahead
Musical Poetry Recital: “The Red Boat”
Performers: Li Pengchao, Liao Runyi, Xu Shuo, Hou Yunshu, and others from the School of Media and Communication
A red boat emerged from the dawn on the South Lake, marking the genesis of the Chinese revolution, radiating its first splendid ray of light. The eloquent and resounding recitation vividly showcased the fervent patriotism and loyalty of the Peihua University community towards the Party and the nation.
Folk Dance: “Fishermen’s Dream in Yuyang”
Performers: Phoenix Dance Troupe from Xi’an Peihua University
With graceful and dynamic dance movements, performers utilized conical hats as props and choreographed movements to present the audience with a picturesque seaside scene. It was as if we could hear the cheerful voices and laughter of fishermen amid the performance.
Solo Performance: “Love for the Sea” and “My Sunshine”
Performer: Renowned Tenor Vocalist Chen Yong
Two meticulously interpreted songs, where the vocalist conveyed nuanced yet passionate musical expressions through their singing, immersing the audience into a fervent and exhilarating musical realm.
Brass Ensemble: “Fanfare and Toccata” and “Three More Cats”
Trumpet Players: Liu Hao, Li Moses, Zhang Zhixiang, Liu Xiang
French Horn Players: Fu Lei, Lv Bin, Chong Chong, Xuan Jierui, Lei Xinlong
Trombone Players: Wu Jisi, Wang Bo, Zhang Yizhe, Guo Junwei
Tuba Player: Xing Zhengyang
Drummer: Ge Shiyao
Conductor: Fan Yifan
The brass ensemble performance by musicians from Xi’an Conservatory of Music radiated tones akin to sunlight sprinkled across the earth-warm, bright, and at times joyfully exuberant, brimming with passion, while at other moments, gentle and romantic, leaving one enraptured.
Choral Performance: “Me and My Motherland” and “An Ode to Peihua”
Performer: Hengyou Chorus from Xi’an Peihua University
Conductor: Zhang Ru
The renditions of “Me and My Motherland” and “An Ode to Peihua” in the two choral pieces lifted the entire evening to its crescendo. The resonant voices echoed the solemn commitment of the Peihua community towards nurturing talents for the Party and the nation. The evening culminated perfectly within the harmonious melodies, drawing the curtains on a successful event.
The closure of the evening marks both an end and a beginning. With a new starting point and a fresh journey ahead, may all members of the Peihua community set sail together, united and determined, steering towards a brighter future. Let us embark on this new journey, striving towards our dreams and advancing towards a centennial milestone.
