Chinese art market provides niche for Russian violinist

As China continues to open up, more musicians, artists and other performers from the country's northern neighbor have brought their unique artwork south of the border.

For 27-year-old Russian girl Daria Andreevna Kuptsova, who has been a violinist at chamber orchestra of Harbin Conservatory of Music for over one year, China's rich history fascinates her. The enchanting sound of Chinese string instruments like the erhu resemble her beloved violin and she believes this is where she can realize her musical dreams and self-value.

When she first arrived in Harbin after traveling a long distance, Russian-style architecture in this foreign city made her feel at home. But what Daria loves most about Harbin is the gathering of talented musicians around the world and strategies to develop its musical sector step-by-step. That offers her the chance to fully enjoy the charm of music in the city's various theaters, concert halls and parks, and freely exchange ideas.

"We keep taking about new musical knowledge and spreading our own to others, which is just amazing. The essence of art is to explore new things. Absorbing new cultural knowledge constantly plays a great role in the development of certain art forms," said Daria.

Discussion among orchestra members – half Russian and half Chinese – sounds like chords of a bright tune and a classical one playing together. With that, the young violinist finds herself gaining a better understanding, as well as more recognition from Chinese listeners.

And it's not just Daria: art performances from the neighboring country are getting more and more applause in Harbin. At the city's theater, Chinese audiences can enjoy first-class Russian touring plays and ballet, such as "The Queen of Spades" and "Swan Lake", all year without leaving their hometown. The growing market means more job opportunities for Russian performers to come and stay in Harbin.