On October 26, 2024, the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Los Angeles, hosted its third “Light of Regeneration” gala. The dazzling event, blending the essence of Eastern and Western art, celebrated graduating students embarking on new life journeys while shining a spotlight on the enduring bridge of Sino-American cultural exchange. Over 1,000 attendees, including artists from China, friends from various sectors in Los Angeles, and numerous students, experienced this cultural feast.
Vice President Robert Avalos of Cal State LA expressed gratitude to the Xu Rongxiang Foundation and the visiting Chinese artists. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma sent a representative to present a certificate of recognition to the foundation and its lead organizer Jiang Kun for their pioneering efforts in preserving and promoting Professor Xu Rongxiang’s legacy. Through captivating performances, the gala inspired future generations to continue this legacy.
The evening began with the rousing Rising Sun by Hanggai Band, instantly transporting the audience to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia. With their celestial harmonies, the band performed iconic pieces like Xiger Xiger and Hongyan (The Swan Goose), skillfully blending Mongolian folk music with contemporary rock. The climactic Drinking Song brought the audience to their feet, setting a vibrant tone for the night.
One of the highlights featured Grammy Award winner Omar collaborating with Fang Jinlong, a maestro of Chinese traditional music, in a cross-cultural musical dialogue. Omar’s classic Take My Hand invited the audience into a vivid musical tapestry, while their joint performance of Xuanniao interwove Eastern and Western instruments, showcasing harmonious cultural coexistence. Fang’s solo performance of A Moonlit Night on the Spring River captivated listeners with its profound beauty and emotional depth.
The gala also spotlighted emerging talents like Erhu virtuoso Chen Yimiao, who performed traditional pieces such as Horse Racing alongside Fang Jinlong and amazed the audience with solo renditions of Western classics like Por Una Cabeza and Libertango. Her artistry demonstrated the seamless fusion of traditional Chinese instruments with modern genres.
Uyghur dancer Yumiti enchanted the crowd with a mesmerizing performance of the traditional Plate Dance, inviting the audience to experience the vibrant cultural essence of Xinjiang. Participants eagerly joined in, mimicking iconic Uyghur dance moves.
Comedic relief came from celebrated performers Zhou Wei and Gao Xiaopan, who delighted the audience with their cross-talk skit Happy Los Angeles. Their witty dialogue, blending cultural humor and everyday anecdotes, resonated with the crowd, drawing laughter and applause.
Soprano Chang Sisi captivated listeners with Variations on Mayila and Ballet of Spring, showcasing her angelic voice and emotional depth. Canadian-Chinese comedian Dashan added a unique touch with his stand-up routine Dashan Talks Dashan and a heartfelt recitation of the classic Chinese poem The Pipa Song, leaving a lasting impression.
Renowned soprano Xu Xia delivered powerful renditions of Time Gone By and Father’s Prairie, Mother’s River, displaying her rich vocal talent and emotional expressiveness.
Jiang Kun, a master of cross-talk comedy, surprised the audience with a unique outfit blending traditional Chinese changshan and Western suit elements. His performance with a stellar ensemble in the group skit Expert Guidance featured well-known comedians like Dai Zhicheng and Dashan, earning waves of laughter and applause.
Adding to the star-studded lineup was tenor Wang Chuanyue, a national first-class performer and San Francisco Opera artist. Known for his extensive accolades, Wang impressed with his renditions of La donna è mobile and Song of the Yangtze River, drawing thunderous applause.
The gala concluded with a rousing ensemble performance of Sleepless Tonight by Wang Chuanyue, Chang Sisi, Xu Xia, and the entire cast. The “Light of Regeneration” gala was a resounding success, hailed as a magnificent artistic feast and a shining example of Sino-American cultural exchange. Through the universal language of art, the event brought diverse communities together, illuminating the world with the enduring light of regeneration and spreading love far and wide.
