Music is a universal language. To celebrate WWD, the guest musicians of wooden musical instruments from around the globe made showcases that aroused considerable interest from the audience at the Wooden Music Fair. Three Asian wooden music recitals took place at Hall III. The backdrop for the performances was a traditional Chinese courtyard, a perfect setting for ancient art. All the instruments have endured many dynasties.
The bamboo drum and gayageum were developed around the 6th century have very fine components that contribute to the exterior and tonal quality.
The Music Fair also presented a diverse collection of ancient and aboriginal music of different genres of the west. Wooden musical instrument performers from Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and Africa made their appearances at the Sanfu Gallery during the WWD celebration.
Sheng Wang, Chinese marimba players, is the Vice President of the Marimba Association of China. He is a well-rounded musician that learned percussion from an early age.
Dubliner John Butler, who was obsessed with the sound of the Irish uilleann pipes, decided to devote himself in pipe making. Irish uilleann pipes are known as the national pipes of Ireland were developed in the mid-18th century to early 19th century across Britain and Ireland.
Matthys Bohm started making Siwss alphorns after his retirement. He is now a master artisan and has never lost his passion. Michael Mauer, an Alphorn player, honors his traditional music by integrating elements of jazz, classical and folk from around the world. The alphorn was originated and used in mountainous regions of Switzerland in 1400 AD.
David Hudson is a versatile didgeridoo performer. His demonstration of playing it in various ways was a hit at the Music Fair. The traditional didgeridoo is made from a Eucalyptus branch that has been naturally hollowed by termites.
The dance-music ensemble of the Tanzanian Police Band brought their ancient tribal culture alive. While they danced, drummed and rattled, the audience just could not help themselves but to clap along and move to the feverish combination.
Furthermore, musicians extend the appreciation of music and trace their origins back to thousands of years ago. They gave brief historical accounts in a lecture and lively performances as demonstrations.
While the audience experienced the beauty and the power of the wooden music, the artists explored the dimension where varying ethnic cultures intertwined.
At the closing ceremony, the musicians and dancers of wooden instruments joined hands to present their distinctive national heritage in harmony in front of woodcarvers. Everybody was captivated by the creative collaboration, without boundaries.
As a whole, the most striking was the way in which they teamed up producing aural and visual energy to everyone. The performers themselves were also overwhelmed with the energy.
Not only did the wooden music encourage conversation among cultures, it was beautiful itself. As everyone enjoyed the wonderful moments together, the values of the wooden music were made known to a larger audience.
World Wood Day is a cultural event celebrated annually during the week of March 21st to highlight wood as an eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial and to raise awareness on the key role wood plays in a sustainable world. Starting from 2013, WWD celebrations were held in Tanzania and China respectively, involving participants from over 100 countries and regions.