The fifth annual Garden Poetry Ensemble themed A Poem to Joy was held early this summer in the Italian garden by the Liangma River in Beijing's Chaoyang district.
Co-curated by Bvlgari Hotel Beijing and The Poem For You, an international arts and cultural exchange platform, the event brought together artists, performers, and distinguished guests from multiple disciplines for an evening dedicated to poetry, music, and the celebration of beauty.
The evening opened with remarks by media figure Zhu Zitong, followed by a collaborative performance featuring musician Xiao Ying, percussionist Wang Lixing, cellist Fu Chao, and harpist Lyu Xing. Their interpretation of seasonal themes set the tone for the ensemble's integration of artistic forms.
Actress Zhu Zhu recited a verse by the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, urging reflection on joy found in everyday life. Pianist Wan Jieni performed selections by Chopin while vocalist Dai Wei offered a rendition of a classic piece that evoked shared emotional memories.
A notable moment featured the Italian Ambassador to China, H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti and television host Li Sisi in a joint reading of Eugenio Montale's Portami il girasole ch'io lo trapianti. The imagery of sun-seeking blossoms underscored the event's central theme — a quiet yearning for light and meaning.
Now in its fifth year, the Garden Poetry Ensemble continues to serve as a cross-disciplinary platform for artistic expression, fostering dialogue between nature, literature and music.
