Xiao Solo Performance. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

The relatable speech and fantastic performance combo was well-received, winning applause and acclaim from the audience.

During the Q & A session, when asked about how to attract youngsters to Chinese traditional music, He Jianguo noted that, "This is a universal issue, shared by symphony in the west as well. As Chinese artists, we keep innovating. We embrace edgy stage design and creative presentation. The drama documented in the video prior to my speech is one of our attempts. The drama has been performed in China more than 100 times, appealing to numerous young people. Besides, when we performed it in Colombia, it shook locals there right to the core. "

Many audience members expressed their new-found love for Chinese culture in the wake of the event and called for more activities like this. According to Wu Jiangnan, a teacher from the college's Confucius Institute, students there felt privileged to have top Chinese artists give such a wonderful speech and performance.