Cross-Cultural Musical Afternoon Brings Comfort and Connection to the FCU Community

The Center for General Education and the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at Feng Chia University jointly hosted a special concert on May 6, featuring the Shu-Mi Mandolin Studio. The performance was led by Shu-Mi Huang, the first Taiwanese mandolinist to earn a master’s degree in mandolin performance from France, alongside guitarist Ming-Shan Hsu and vocalist Yi-Cheng Huang. The event was hosted by radio DJ NANA, creating a warm and engaging cross-cultural musical experience for faculty members and students.

The concert featured a diverse repertoire spanning Mandarin classics, Western pop music, Italian folk songs, and even theme songs from Spanish television dramas. The mandolin, a plucked string instrument originating in Italy and belonging to the lute family, is known for its pear-shaped body and bright, resonant tone. Through the distinctive tremolo technique of the mandolin and the rich accompaniment of the mandola, familiar melodies were reimagined in fresh and captivating ways, transporting listeners across cultures and musical traditions.

Mandolin and piano performers, together with a tenor vocalist, present a traditional Italian folk song.

A mandolin and mandola ensemble performs a traditional Italian folk song.

The musicians and host introduce the cultural history and artistic significance of the mandolin to the audience.

To create an inclusive environment for FCU’s diverse international community, the concert was conducted in both Chinese and English, allowing participants from different cultural backgrounds to fully appreciate and enjoy the performances. The bilingual format helped bridge language barriers and fostered a shared cultural experience through music.

Beyond the performances themselves, the musicians introduced the audience to the history, cultural significance, and musical characteristics of the mandolin. Through these interactions, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for the instrument and its place in global musical traditions.

The organizers hoped that this cross-cultural artistic event would not only provide a relaxing and restorative afternoon for faculty members and students but also encourage reflection on the values of life education and holistic personal development. Through music, participants were invited to find moments of calm, inspiration, and connection amid their academic and daily lives.

Sheng-Po Tai, Executive Director of the Center for General Education, presents certificates of appreciation and joins the performers, host, and audience members for a group photo.