Musical heritage

Shuzhuang Garden, home to one of Asia's largest piano museums, is located near Gangzaihou Beach, where the music festival was staged. The institution exhibits nearly 100 pianos from countries worldwide, providing a glimpse of the island's musical heritage.

Many musicians also hail from Gulangyu, and locals typically become music lovers. Pianist Yin Chengzong, who was born on the island, achieved fame by winning second prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1962, when he was 20.

The pandemic has meant that singers, musicians and assistants have spent long hours preparing to return to the stage, and that they must be prepared to change plans at the last minute.

After the concert on July 20 ended at about 10 pm, many of the musicians and audience members celebrated by taking photos of each other and discussing the pieces performed that night.

Gao said she was delighted that, despite the pandemic, an outdoor operatic concert had been staged. "Being able to do this together-this is the meaning of music," she said.

"As Xiamen remains relatively warm all year round, and the island is quiet at night, we plan to have more outdoor concerts featuring the symphony orchestra."