Living treasures gave a rousing performance of Naxi music at the United Nations birthday bash on Monday.

Leader Xuan Ke enthusiastically shares the history of Naxi Music with his audience. [By Marc Checkley/chinadaily.com.cn]

The event, held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing celebrated 62 years since the formation of the world organisation.

More than 500 guests including ambassadors, UN members and government officials attended the party, which began with a function detailing the progress of the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

Afterwards, guests enjoyed a live performance by the Dayan Naxi Music Association of Yunnan Province. Described as 'living treasures' by its leader Xuan Ke, the majority of its musicians are in their 70s and 80s.

Pronounced 'Nahki', the music has its roots in ancient Confucianism and has resisted the temptation to update or change itself. Many of the pieces performed date back to the Tang and Song dynasties and penned by the emperors themselves.

"There are only a handful of traditional pieces left that have not been modernized," says Xuan. "Our music has been passed down from generation to generation until today. It is untouched – no change."

Xuan a sprightly 78 year-old says the Naxi people, a mixture of Han and Tibetan ethnicities live in remote Li Jiang in the northeast of Yunnan. Only numbering 200,000 they are committed to preserving one of China's most ancient cultural heritages.

"Some people believe the history of Chinese music is a silent one but this is not true." Xuan says passionately. He adds the music, based on eight-part trigrams believed to bring more 'qi' or energy to the listener, has been collected by the Naxi over hundreds of years.

Xuan fears the modern age will see an end to this ancient form of music. Thirty-five of the orchestra's players have passed away since it was reformed in 1981 and only a small number of younger musicians have joined.

The Dayang Naxi Music Association plays music dating back to the 4th Century A.D.[By Marc Checkley/chinadaily.com.cn]

"We had to say goodbye to one of our friends just before we left for this performance," he says. "There's not many of us left. We are proud to be a part of tonight's celebration which wants to protect the world's treasures and make for a better future."

In a video announcement, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said the world is changing in the UN's favour. "More people and governments understand that multilaterilism is the only path for an independent and globilized world. Global problems demand global solutions and going it alone is not a viable option."

Mr Khalid Malik, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China who was at Monday's event added, "Only united will we realize what can be achieved."

He says the goals established at the UN's World Summit in 2000 wants to see China create a healthy, prosperous and equitable future for its people.

The eight Millennium Development Goals adopted by 189 member states seeks to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Achieve universal primary education and promote gender equality. Reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat disease. Ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development by 2015.