On October 20, 2023, a lecture titled "The Godfather of Chinese Musical Theater Presents" presented by Maestro Li DUN was held in CC-129 Lecture Hall at UIC, organized by the Music Performance Program and the School of Culture and Creativity. Mr. Li Dun is a celebrated musical producer in China, widely known as "The Godfather of Musical Theatre.” He has produced a number of highly acclaimed Chinese original musicals, such as "Butterfly," "Falling in Love with Teresa Deng," "Love Me Again, Mom," and "Ah, Gulang,” among others. He holds honorary professor positions at renowned art institutions in China and abroad, such as China Central Theatre Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Beijing Dance Academy, and Seoul National University.

During the lecture, Professor Li Dun discussed his insights on the characteristics of modern Chinese musical theatre, current trends in Chinese music education, and also emphasized the importance of choosing and planning one's musical career and life path through the sharing of his own experiences. The lecture included an interactive session in which teachers and students from the Music Department performed the songs from Professor Li Dun's most famous musical "Butterfly.” Afterwards there was a question-and-answer session.  The lecture and question and answer session combined lasted total almost two hours.

I. the Purpose and the planning process of the lecture program:

The Music Department organized this lecture activity to help students improve their aesthetic sensibilities, optimize their artistic and creative potential, as well as guide them to establish a positive attitude on life and values. Moreover, it is also a beneficial attempt of music education in colleges and universities that perfectly combines liberal arts education and practical teaching in an innovative way.

The lecture activity received strong support from the leadership of SCC and the Music Department, as well as the Student Union of MUS, and the financial and logistic departments of the university. The event was finally a big success, which, in other words, is also an embodiment of the team spirit and whole-person education of UIC.

II. The Effectiveness of the Lecture Activities:

Although the preparation time for this lecture was very short, and the notice was sent out on short notice, on the day of the event, the number of attendees far exceeded the expectations, and the large lecture hall was filled to capacity with standing room only. In addition to teachers and students from the School of Culture and Creativity and the Music Department, teachers and students from other schools and faculties also attended. Professor Li Dun's speech was charismatic and engaging, and he repeatedly received warm applause from the audience as well as a standing ovation at the conclusion of his talk.

During the interactive session, three UIC first-year students from the Department of Music gave an exuberant live performance of songs from the Mr Li’s most famous musical "Butterfly", which was a highlight of the lecture. In the final Q&A session, Maestro Li Dun answered students’ question one by one patiently. At the end of the lecture, many students quickly flocked to Professor Li Dun to sign autographs and take photos.

Professor Li Dun was giving his lecture

Associate Professor Wang Jie and first-year music students performed songs from Mr Li’s most famous musical "Butterfly."

Students flocked to Professor Li Dun for autographs and photos

Professor Li Dun with Professor Tom Stein, the head of the Music Department, and Associate Professor Wang Jie

From SCC-DMUS

Reporter: Jie WANG