Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum opens its doors

Located at one of the renovated villas at the Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira, the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum opened its doors to public visits on Saturday in a ceremony which was attended by several government officials as well as representatives from mainland authorities and former Chief Executive (CE) Edmund Ho.

In a press statement from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the government says that the museum aims to “honor the musician contributions to the nation, as well as promoting his musical achievements and set him as a role model for young people.”

The museum is divided into several sections, including the exhibition room, the discovery corner, the multi-purpose hall, the nursing room, and the courtyard. The different sections introduce the public about the life and the artistic achievements of Xian as well as a multimedia discovery corner where the public can experience conducting an orchestra.

In total, 36 pieces of Xian Xinghai’s manuscripts and belongings from the collection of the Library of Chinese National Academy of Arts will be showcased in the museum for a period of three months. Among these manuscripts and belongings are items such as violins, diaries, letters, fountain pens, and a concert suit jacket.

The opening ceremony  was attended by the musician’s daughter, Xian Nina. During the ceremony a bronze statue of the musician was unveiled and it will stay in the courtyard of the two-story villa.

During the ceremonies, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam conferred a certificate of appreciation to Xian Nina for her support and assistance in the establishment of the museum.

Concurrently with the museum opening, IC will launch an illustrated book titled Music Road of Xian Xinghai, which will be available from December.

The book, only available in Chinese, targets primary school students and well as their parents, addressing the growth, education and musical career of Xian Xinghai.  RM