On August 10, Baldyrgan Baikadamova, the daughter of Kazakh musician Bakhytzhan Baikadamov, visited Panyu District in Guangzhou with her family. They toured Guangdong Music Museum in Shawan Ancient Town, Xinghai Children's Palace, and Xinghai Park, where music served as a bridge to continue the older generation's friendship and to initiate a cross-border cultural dialogue.
In that afternoon, musicians from the Shawan Qingluo Ensemble performed classic Guangdong music pieces such as "Peace and Prosperity", "Raindrops on Banana Leaves", and "The Peacock Spreads Its Tail" at Guangdong Music Museum. Sprightly rhythms and delicate melodies showcased the charm of Lingnan. As the music played, Baikadamova gently moved her fingertips and occasionally chatted with her family.
During pauses in the performance, Baikadamova showed keen interest in instruments like the yehu (椰胡) and gaohu (高胡). She said that music is a universal language, praised Guangdong music as extraordinary for embodying the nation's soul, and noted its profound influence on Xian Xinghai's compositions.
Her visit to Shawan Ancient Town was prompted by the friendship between her father and Xian Xinghai. After listening to Guangdong music, Baikadamova said she gained a deeper understanding of the roots of Xian's music. She also visited the town's art museum and expressed great interest in tea culture. Upon leaving, she said she intended to share the moving music of Panyu with more people in Kazakhstan.
Their musical journey, inspired by the two musicians' deep friendship, maintained transnational bonds and demonstrated Guangdong music's role as a cultural emissary. Later that afternoon, they visited Xinghai Children's Palace and Xinghai Park to further foster friendship between Chinese and Kazakh youth through music exchange.
At Xinghai Children's Palace, the Panyu Xinghai Children's Choir sang "Song of a Strong Army" and "Flowers Bloom, Worries Forget." The pure voices deeply resonated with Baikadamova. She recalled the words of her father—the founder of the Kazakh National Choir: "Music is life, and choral singing is more precious than life itself." She embraced the children warmly as they posed for photographs and encouraged them: "Choral singing is the best vehicle for deepening friendship. May you cherish your collective warmth and create a bright future together."
Baikadamova stood before the Xian Xinghai statue at the end of the visit at Xinghai Park. "My father's friendship with Xian Xinghai will never be forgotten. The interest shown by the younger generation gives this friendship new life," she said.
Kazakh composer and musician Bakhytzhan Baitakadamov and the Chinese composer Xian Xinghai shared a profound friendship during World War II. In 1943, when Xian Xinghai—fleeing wartime hardships in China—arrived in Almaty (then part of the Soviet Union), Baitakadamov warmly welcomed him. Despite their different backgrounds, they bonded over music. Baitakadamov helped Xian find shelter and supported his creative work, including the composition of The Yellow River Cantata (later adapted in Kazakhstan). Their friendship symbolized cross-cultural solidarity and artistic mutual respect during a challenging time.
Video footage | Panyu Converged Media Center
Video editor | Liang Zijian
Photo | Guangzhou Panyu Fabu
Editor | Zheng Yiling (intern), Li Lan (intern), Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
