Shanghai

After Ghent was designated Creative City of Music by UNESCO the city also positioned itself as a city of music during last year's world expo in Shanghai.
The program that was presented in the margin of this expo includes exponents from the city’s lively pop and rock scene and from the contemporary and jazz scenes. Collaborations between Flemish and Chinese musicians were also on the program as well as a workshop. A diverse program which highlighted the creativity of the music scene in Ghent (and by extension in Flanders).

Mayor Daniël Termont ended his presentation during the press conference in Shanghai as follows: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, do not miss this opportunity to witness some of the best that the city of Ghent has to offer in music! Our reputation as a ‘creating city’ is at stake: you will not be disappointed’ Ghent successfully passed the test, the Chinese audience was enthusiastic, curious and interested in the musical output at the other end of the continent.

The collaborative projects between Ghent and Beijing musicians were presented in very diverse locations – in official theatres (Hangzhou), living rooms (Liangshe music salon) and galleries (UCCA – the gallery of Belgian art collectors, Guy and Myriam Ullens) and even in a local theatre in the hutongs in Beijing (Fangjia Hutong 46 Theatre). In most cases the three duos shared the stage - three short sets of 30 minutes each. A fascinating voyage through a music landscape which is completely new to the Chinese.

The participating musicians/groups included:

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