Meng Ren, a Department of Music Graduate Student, will give a Brown Bag Lecture for Asian Studies titled "The Revival of Red Songs in 2011: Singing in Praise of the Chinese Communist Party"July 1, 2011 was the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); meanwhile the day also marked the climax of a nation-wide craze of “singing red songs.” The “red songs” (traditionally called “revolutionary songs”) praise, compliment and commemorate the CCP and various revolutions led by the Party. In major cities of China, state-run danwei (work units) organized professional and amateur choirs to perform “red songs” celebrating the CCP’s birthday. For instance, in Zhengzhou of Henan province, individuals and choirs from schools, hospitals, and factories participated in a large-scale “red song” singing competition series with the theme of “Without the CCP, There will be no New China.” By drawing upon fieldwork research concerning the “red song” singing activities in Zhengzhou and interviews with members of danwei-based choirs, Ren will explore the significance and reception of the Chinese “red song” revival, as well as the role of the government and local danwei in promoting those songs.

Announced by: Asian Studies Center
Contact Email: asia@pitt.edu