THE Chinese Year of the Dragon was celebrated in style when the Worcestershire Chinese Association and educational charity Engage with China hosted record-breaking celebrations last Sunday, February 18.
The occasion marked the 25th year of the event in Worcester and more than 1,300 local residents and visitors turned out to enjoy a day packed full of Chinese-inspired creative cultural activities.
A 25th-year special treat was the performance by internationally renowned soprano Wang Chen and virtuoso Guo Yue on flute, on their UK tour.
Audiences were delighted by Guo Yue, who played at the Beijing Olympic Games and whose career spans working with Peter Gabriel and Sinéad O’Connor as well as on soundtracks for international films including The Last Emperor.
He played a haunting and beautiful piece called Beyond the Clouds.
Named as the 2023 Chinese Woman of The Year by UK Chinese Women Connect, soprano Wang Chen sang a spirited song full of traditional movements from her home province of Xinjiang, home of the Uyghurs, called ‘I love my hometown.’
Alice Brunker, aged 19, also sang two songs in Mandarin, including a duet with Wang Chen of one of China’s most loved pieces, called Molihua or Jasmine Flower.
James Rodriguez and his team from Worcester-based Kui De Tang Kung Fu School performed the traditional Dragon Dance in Severn Street, closed specially for the performance for the first time to accommodate spectators.
He said it was a privilege to perform in front of the festival’s ‘largest crowd ever.’
Frankie Tsang, Chair of Worcestershire Chinese Association, said: “This is the 25th year that Worcestershire Chinese Association has organised Chinese New Year celebrations.
“The number of visitors has grown from a few hundred to more than 1,300 this year.
“We have been supported by Engage with China and for the second year, by the Museum of Royal Worcester and Royal Porcelain Works.
“We’d like to thank them and all the performers, as well as The Bransford Trust for their generous support. Staff and pupils from Christopher Whitehead Language College and University of Worcester students led a range of creative activities.
“Everyone involved contributed to making a successful and enjoyable day.”
