Symphony brings Kukai's inspiring story to global audiences

British conductor Derrick Morgan described the music as "absolutely beautiful" and added: "For English speaking audiences, no matter whether you understand the language, the story comes across in the music and it really touches the heart. The essence of the story of Master Kukai, who is a legend not in the fictional sense, is still influencing people's daily lives over 1,000 years later.

"It's my first time being able to conduct it and shape it and to work with a wonderful group of both Chinese and UK musicians in this intercontinental collaboration."

"I really enjoyed the performance, and I think everybody had a smile in the end," Morgan said.

Violinist Emmanuel Webb said: "It's very satisfying to play it. It's a testament to the composers and I think it will stand the test of time."

Singer Marie-Paule Lane said: "What is interesting is that the concert is based on the story of a Japanese monk, so for me, it is like a discovery of a new culture because I'm not 100 percent Asian. And so I admire the fact that people can sing together, and I can see that there's a mixture between Asian singers and with European singers. That's the beauty of it."

Minister Counselor for Cultural Affairs at China's Embassy in the UK Li Liyan, Lord Mayor of Westminster Robert Rigby, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama, First Secretary in the Cultural section of the Japanese Embassy in UK Junko Nakaji and many other guests also attended the concert.

Kukai is also scheduled to be performed in New Zealand and Osaka, Japan in January and July of next year.

hexiating@chinadaily.com.cn