Taizhou's Huangqiao town celebrates Make Music Day with global flair

International guests join the Make Music Day celebrations in Taixing, Taizhou. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

The ancient town of Huangqiao in Taixing, Taizhou, once again came alive with rhythm and harmony as it hosted the 2025 edition of Make Music Day on June 21. Over 20 international guests joined local residents and cultural troupes in celebrating the transformative power of music.

As the world's largest grassroots music celebration, Make Music Day has taken root in Huangqiao for nine consecutive years. Since 2017, the town has served as the main Chinese venue for the event, making it the longest-running, most musically diverse, and best-organized host in the country. In 2023, Huangqiao was officially designated as the permanent Chinese main venue for the celebration.

The festivities began at 9 am in the town square, with a rousing drum performance by the Spirit Drum Troupe, whose vivid red ribbons and thunderous rhythms set the tone for the day. Performers of all ages then took the stage: the Qinyun Folk Orchestra, with an average age of 70, delivered a moving rendition of The Song of Burying Flowers blending plucked and bowed traditional instruments like the pipa, erhu, and bamboo flute. Young children charmed the crowd with violin performances, while elementary students showcased the soulful tones of the gourd flute with Bamboo in the Moonlight.

Foreign guests from countries including Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Japan, and Indonesia eagerly joined in. With guidance from local musicians, they gave spirited performances of local favorites. While their technique was rough, their enthusiasm earned loud applause.

As music filled the air, impromptu singing and dancing broke out, transforming the town square into a joyful celebration. "The advanced instrument craftsmanship and vibrant musical culture of Huangqiao have left a deep impression on me," said Martin from Germany.