Bridging Cultures Through Music: Chinese Music Club Launched in Malta
On March 23, 2025, a groundbreaking cultural initiative unfolded at St Ignatius College Ħandaq Middle School, as Malta welcomed its very first Chinese Music Club. A collaboration between the China Cultural Centre in Malta, the Network of International Culturalink Entities (NICE), and the school, this exciting new program is giving students a unique opportunity to connect with one of China’s oldest and most captivating musical traditions: the pipa.
A Grand Opening with a Touch of Tradition
The event kicked off with a vibrant inauguration ceremony, attended by key figures such as Yuan Yuan, the director of the China Cultural Centre in Malta, Doreen Said Pace, principal of St Ignatius College, and Maria Montebello, head of school. But the highlight of the day was the mesmerizing performance by renowned Chinese pipa virtuoso Mei Guo. Her skillful playing captivated the audience and set the stage for what’s to come—an unforgettable musical journey.
Mei Guo, Chinese Pipa Player
Cultural Ties That Span Centuries
Maria Montebello, Head of school
What makes this initiative even more special is its connection to Malta’s cultural history and the long-standing friendship between Malta and China. Yuan Yuan shared that the project is part of the ‘Chinese Music Linking the Future’ program, aimed at uniting cultures through the universal language of music. The pipa, with its 2,000-year legacy, is a symbol of that shared history, one that has crossed the Silk Road and now finds a home in Malta’s educational landscape.
Inspiring Young Musicians
More than 20 eager students have already signed up to learn the art of playing the pipa. These young musicians will be guided by Mei Guo herself, gaining expert tuition and a rare chance to perform at the Ħandaq Summer Night event in June, showcasing their newfound talents. The program’s success has already sparked excitement, with Principal Doreen Said Pace looking forward to its growth and the cultural exchange it will foster for years to come.
Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yuan Yuan
More Than Just Music
Doreen Said Pace, principal of St Ignatius College
This initiative isn’t just about learning an instrument; it’s about opening doors to a rich cultural heritage, deepening students’ understanding of a vibrant tradition that spans millennia, building international connections, and offering them a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in an experience that bridges East and West. It’s about becoming part of something truly special—an ongoing exchange of ideas, music, and friendship that will inspire and shape their futures for years to come.
