Songs of the world serenade Shanghai

During the rush hour of a recent afternoon in the busy Xujiahui area of Shanghai, passengers stopped by an outdoor stage to listen to the performance of exotic Indian music. Many were surprised to learn that the performer was Bombay Jayashri, singer of Pi's Lullaby from the film Life of Pi.

Dong ethnic singers from Liping, Guizhou province, perform Grand Songs at World Music Shanghai. Ben Chi / for China Daily

"The story of Life of Pi seems so far away, but now I can see the performance of Jayashri just outside my office building. It's great," says Xu Yan, a young woman in the audience.

Jayashri gave another performance in Shanghai at the square of Jinqiao International Plaza.

Because of the popularity of Life of Pi in China, she was the headliner of 2013 World Music Shanghai and attracted a large number of people.

"I had been worried if Chinese audiences will enjoy Indian classical music, but I am glad to see that they really like it," Jayashri says.

This year's World Music Shanghai was held from April 29 to May 5 at seven venues across the city and presented 11 acts. They came from China, Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, United States, India, Reunion Island, France and Mauritius.

Traditional Tuvan folk songs by Huun Huur Tu, American old-time music by Toubab Krewe, a cappella by Bulgaria's Eva Female Vocal Quartet, Grand Songs of China's Dong ethnic group, and a collaboration between rocker Song Yuzhe and Uygur folk musician Ubulhasan Mamat were among the lineup.

The musicians not only performed at the festival individually, but also jammed together.

"Although I cannot understand the lyrics of the Chinese musicians, I enjoy their performance very much," says H. N. Bhaskar, Jayashri's violinist. "I hope they will come to India to perform, and we will learn from them."

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