Through Their Eyes |
Petar Kutin: Music is a language that can bring people together | |
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On the morning of November 13, a graceful violin melody flowed along the Qingdao seashore, blending seamlessly with the rhythm of the ocean waves. The man playing the violin is Petar Kutin, a Bulgarian who has been living in China for 15 years.
When asked how he achieves such harmony between music and nature, Kutin told Beijing Review, "Music touches our hearts and helps us express ourselves. This piece made me think of the ocean—it can be calm, gentle, or flowing, just like the waves." ![]() Petar Kutin performs his composition on the Qingdao seashore on November 13 (Zhang Taishan)
East meets West Before coming to China, Kutin held prestigious roles such as principal viola of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra in the United States and assistant conductor of the Fort Worth Youth Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he serves as the music coordinator for the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) Education Network's Shandong joint campus, teaching music at Yew Chung International School of Qingdao, in Qingdao, Shandong Province. For Kutin, who has been extensively trained in Western music, Chinese music holds a unique charm. "Chinese music is all about nature. It's about that ambient feeling. In Western music, everything is structured down to the tiniest detail. In contrast, Chinese music is more open and flowing, shaped by the performer's interpretation. This was very intriguing to me." With his deep appreciation for Chinese music, Kutin skillfully combines Chinese and Western musical elements and collaborates with Chinese musicians to create original pieces. In one of his latest works, Kutin blends his violin with the erhu, a two-stringed instrument often called the "Chinese violin," alongside the sounds of frogs and birds, creating a harmonious and moving composition. "It's a perfect combination of Western and traditional Chinese music, intertwined with the sounds of nature. Working with Chinese musicians is incredibly rewarding because I learn so much, and they are truly inspiring." Having lived in China for 15 years, Kutin has witnessed the country's rapid economic, social, and educational development, as well as the growing global recognition of Chinese music. "Chinese music is now more popular on the world stage than ever before. You now hear it performed at Western festivals and performances. Many overseas music schools are starting to teach Chinese music and instruments. For example, at American universities, Western students are performing in Chinese ensembles, learning how to play instruments like the pipa, a four-stringed lute, and the guzheng, a Chinese zither with plucked strings. It's an extraordinary experience for Westerners to play Chinese music." He also noted the increasing incorporation of Chinese traditional elements by international artists. For instance, during Alan Walker's 2024 global tour in Shanghai, the renowned British-Norwegian DJ and music producer featured the suona, a traditional Chinese double-reed wind instrument known for its bright, penetrating sound, in a performance of The Spectre, thrilling the entire audience. "This trend reflects China's growing popularity and influence. Chinese performers now possess extraordinary skills that are captivating the world," Kutin remarked. Musical connections "I believe that music is a language—an incredibly powerful one that brings people together," Kutin said. At Yew Chung International School of Qingdao, this philosophy comes to life. The school has students from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique musical expressions. To help international students overcome cultural shock and quickly adapt to the Chinese environment, Kutin arranges music pieces tailored to their abilities. "When students perform together, it fosters teamwork and allows them to express both their cultural identity and individuality. Playing together builds confidence, happiness, and a sense of belonging. Music truly bonds the performers," Kutin said. Kutin also uses music to deliver meaningful messages to his students. He wrote the lyrics of a song about frugality together with the students, explaining what frugality means—reusing items instead of discarding them unnecessarily, avoiding waste. They turned this message into a song and then into a music video. Kutin said the work turned out beautifully, and the students play it almost every week. As an educator, Kutin is also committed to nurturing musical talent. He praises the intelligence and diligence of Chinese students, who often have a strong foundation in traditional music. "I feel privileged to help my students integrate Western traditions with their own—an opportunity not commonly found elsewhere. That makes me feel I am a special educator," he explains. Under Kutin's guidance, many of his students have been accepted into prestigious music institutions, such as the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University, with several earning full scholarships. ![]() Kutin shows his students the difference between a suona and a trumpet on November 14 (Zhang Taishan)
In addition to his work at school, Kutin composes music for social causes. He has produced several pieces to help people with mental disabilities relax and find comfort. "Music is a unique art form that evokes love and creates a special feeling unlike anything else. I'm fortunate that music allows me to connect with so many people and make a positive impact on their lives," Kutin said. Looking ahead, Kutin is determined to continue exploring new musical trends and inspiring others along the way. "Music is constantly evolving, and musicians must keep learning to grow," he said. With a passion for creating and sharing, Kutin aims to foster deeper connections between people and cultures, contributing to a more harmonious and vibrant future through music. Copyedited by G.P. Wilson Comments to wangruohan@cicgamericas.com |
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