From July 12 to 21, the 6th Gulangyu Music Festival illuminated the Island of Music as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange. Over the course of 10 days, a fusion of world-renowned musicians and emerging talent delivered nearly 100 performances, blending a myriad of genres and reinforcing Gulangyu's standing as a global music center.

A highlight was the "Gulangyu Artist-in-Residence Program", featuring Ludger Lohmann, a preeminent organist in Germany. His solo concerts, masterclasses, and a surprise collaboration with Xiamen No 6 High School's choir captivated audiences. "I'm amazed by the talented young female organists here and the audience's enthusiasm," Lohmann remarked.

At the iconic Bagua Mansion of Gulangyu Island, Liao Changyong, president of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, performed an impromptu Carmen aria, merging opera with historical architecture. Liao emphasized the event's role in showcasing Gulangyu's musical heritage and East-West cultural fusion.

While classical music echoed through historic sites, pop melodies energized the beach. On the evening of July 12, a pop music show attracted more than 1,000 viewers. The vocals of Taipei band Rain Kingdom and singer Chainhaha debuted Good Flow, a breezy anthem inspired by the island.

International ensembles dazzled with eclectic styles, including the Italy-France-Belgium Jazz Trio and Germany Phaeton Piano Trio. Domestic artists also shined. Shen Fanxiu, a famous organ and harpsichord player, cooperated with Dong Xiaolin, a celebrated pipa artist and principal pipa in the China Central Chinese Orchestra, to show the infinite possibilities of Chinese music and collaborative innovation.

With most events free and open to all ages, the festival's "four pillars" — seaside stages, historic venues, street performances, and cultural spaces — drew crowds from around the world. By uniting global talent, the festival not only elevated Gulangyu's cultural profile but also fostered cross-border dialogue, proving music's power to connect and inspire.