Peking University, May 5, 2015: It is a bright, warm Sunday afternoon, and a sizeable crowd has already gathered at the No. 1 Gymnasium of Peking University. Today, May 3rd 2015, is a rather momentous day. The Alumni Association of Peking University and the Academy of Arts department have come together to host Peking University’s first music festival aptly called, Forever Young.

The air is filled with nostalgia and school pride. The goal of the festival is to use the power of music to encourage youth and the power of ambition.

The star studded list of performers include: Xu Xiaofeng, Chi Yongqiang, Chen Yonghai, Du Kai, Shao Yibei, Cheng Bi, as well as angel investor and co founder of the New Oriental School, Xu Xiaoping. All of the artists have volunteered their time to be here, and all the proceeds will be donated to the university to support the development of original musical content.

 

 

A lot of thought process and detail has been put into the organization of this event. There is an information desk at the entrance, well-detailed maps available all over the sprawling grounds, as well as designated resting areas.

 
 

There are booths all around the grounds, and participants are encouraged to visit them. Those who can accumulate stamps by visiting all the booths present are eligible to receive a small gift. There are also games to be played for those bubbling with energy, and a commendable assortment of snack stalls.

  Music artists Cheng Bi and Shao Yibei are present to sign autographs for their fans.

 
 

The participants have a rare opportunity to closely interact with the alumni and performers present, while belting out their favorite songs. It is a truly magical experience for those present.

 


 

The concert kicks off at 9 pm. The inaugural song is “long sword” sung by Xu Qiuhan. The music festival has four themes that everyone seems to relate to: enjoying the present, recognizing that growing pains are inevitable, looking to the future with hope, and the celebration of personal independence. Also making its debut today is a song created by the Alumni Association titled, “slipping through the fingers.” The song is a commemoration by the alumni of the year 1988, and is inspired by the two famous landmarks on campus: The Boya Tower and Weiming Lake.

 
Only music has the power to bring together those young, and forever young at heart.


Reported by: Du Danping

Edited by: Alice Namu