This session features scholars and artists from the Nanjing University of the Arts, China, in dialogue on the past and present of Chinese musical traditions.

Assoc. Professor Dr. Weiwei will discuss "the Historical Periodization of the Development of Chinese Guqin Art", tracing the instrument’s development across dynasties and its enduring role in Chinese philosophy and aesthetics.

Lecture Professor Hailing Chen will explore the "development of the Chinese clarinet", highlighting how this Western instrument has been adapted, localized, and integrated into Chinese musical practice.

Professor Xunmei Liu will join the discussion, contributing further perspectives on Chinese musical heritage. This presentation traces the clarinet’s journey in China, from its arrival with Western military bands in the late Qing Dynasty to its establishment in conservatories, its resilience during the Cultural Revolution, and its renaissance in the reform era. Highlighting key figures such as Tao Chunxiao, Yuan Yuan, and Yaoguang Zhai, the talk explores how the clarinet has been adapted, localized, and integrated into Chinese musical culture, creating a unique legacy that bridges East and West.

The session will be moderated by Kee Yong Chong, guiding a dialogue that connects ancient traditions with modern transformations.