Maestro Li Dun delivered a lecture titled "The Godfather of Chinese Musical Theatre Presents" at UIC on 20 October 2023, organised by the Music Performance Programme of UIC's School of Culture and Creativity.
Mr Li Dun is a celebrated musical producer in China, widely known as "The Godfather of Musical Theatre." He has produced a number of highly acclaimed Chinese original musicals, such as "Butterfly," "Falling in Love with Teresa Deng," "Love Me Again, Mom," and "Ah, Gulang," among others. He holds honorary professor positions at renowned art institutions in China and abroad, such as China Central Theatre Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Beijing Dance Academy, and Seoul National University.
During the lecture, Professor Li Dun discussed his insights on the characteristics of modern Chinese musical theatre and current trends in Chinese music education. He also emphasised the importance of choosing and planning one's musical career and life path through the sharing of his own experiences.
The lecture included an interactive session in which teachers and students from the Music Department performed the songs from Professor Li Dun's most famous musical "Butterfly." Afterwards, there was a question-and-answer session.
Professor Li Dun gives his lecture
The Music Department organised this lecture activity to help students improve their aesthetic sensibilities, optimise their artistic and creative potential, as well as guide them to establish a positive attitude toward life and values. Moreover, it is also a beneficial attempt at music education in colleges and universities that perfectly combines liberal arts education and practical teaching in an innovative way.
The lecture activity received strong support from the leadership of SCC and the Music Department, as well as the Student Union of MUS, and the financial and logistic departments of the university. The event was finally a big success, which, in other words, is also an embodiment of the team spirit and whole-person education of UIC.
Associate Professor Wang Jie and first-year music students perform songs from Mr Li's most famous musical "Butterfly"
Although the preparation time for this lecture was very short, and the notice was sent out on short notice, on the day of the event, the number of attendees far exceeded expectations, and the large lecture hall was filled to capacity with standing room only. In addition to teachers and students from the School of Culture and Creativity and its Music Department, teachers and students from other schools and faculties also attended. Professor Li Dun's speech was charismatic and engaging, and he repeatedly received warm applause from the audience as well as a standing ovation at the conclusion of his talk.
Students flock to Professor Li Dun for autographs and photos
During the interactive session, three UIC first-year students from the Department of Music gave an exuberant live performance of songs from Mr Li's most famous musical "Butterfly", which was a highlight of the lecture. In the final Q&A session, Maestro Li Dun answered students' questions one by one patiently. At the end of the lecture, many students quickly flocked to Professor Li Dun to sign autographs and take photos.
Professor Li Dun with Professor Thomas Stein (right), head of the Music Department, and Associate Professor Wang Jie
From SCC-DMUS
Reporter: Wang Jie
Editor: Deen He
