WFIMC Assembly opens in Harbin to boost global music ties, marking the first time the event is held in a Chinese city.
The 69th General Assembly of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) began on Thursday in Harbin, located in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The event brought together representatives from leading international music competitions to deepen global cooperation in the field of music.
This marks the first time the WFIMC has held its annual assembly in China. WFIMC President Peter Paul Kainrath praised Harbin for its openness and cultural vibrancy, calling it a vital gateway to China’s musical life.
Kainrath emphasized that the federation aims to serve as a bridge between cultures and believes this gathering will energize future collaborations with Chinese cultural institutions.
Wang Bo, vice mayor of Harbin, highlighted the city’s musical legacy, noting that it hosted China’s first symphonic concert, music school, and symphony orchestra—earning it the title of the cradle of modern Chinese music.
He also noted the success of the Schoenfeld International String Competition, the first Chinese contest to join the WFIMC, which has now been held four times and gained significant international stature. Harbin aims to build a closer partnership with the federation to advance global music culture.
Xue Suli, president of the Schoenfeld International Music Society, said the competition has become a vital platform linking Eastern and Western music traditions since its inception in 2014. He expressed hopes that this assembly will encourage deeper cooperation and cultural exchange among participants.
WFIMC officials stated that this year’s assembly will focus on how music can bridge cultural divides, attract new audiences, and respond to rapid technological and geopolitical changes in the global landscape.
The event will also feature a two-day International Forum for Marketing and Communications, open to the public, which will examine the evolving classical music scene in China, Asia, and worldwide.
Established in 1957, WFIMC is a global network of over 120 international music competitions and 20 affiliated institutions, representing 111 cities across 39 countries. It supports young musicians in building international careers.
Notable members of the federation include prestigious events such as the Concours de Genève, the Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition, the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and China’s Schoenfeld International String Competition.
Related Posts
Chinese, New Zealand musicians unite for Year of the Snake concert
