On the evening of May 19, world-renowned pianist Xiangdong Kong joined the community of University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) for a special musical sharing session at the Lecture Hall A100 of the Student Center Building on the SJTU Minhang campus.
In her welcome address, Deputy Director Yang Ge of the SJTU Student Affairs Office expressed gratitude to Kong for using art to inspire and illuminate education. She emphasized that music, as a universal art form, serves as a powerful bridge for cross-cultural understanding—resonating with SJTU’s commitment to being a comprehensive, research-oriented, and internationalized institution. She encouraged students to embrace the power of music in fostering personal growth, relieving stress, and becoming emotionally resilient individuals who can build meaningful global connections.
During the event, JI officially appointed Xiangdong Kong as the Institute’s Aesthetic Advisor. The appointment ceremony was led by Chairman of the JI Council Ming Yang and Deputy Director Guoqin Wang of the SJTU Psychological Counseling Center, marking a new chapter in JI’s efforts to integrate art into holistic education.
Kong opened the session with an improvised piano piece, sharing his emotions through music. He reflected on the enduring presence of music throughout human history and its deep integration into daily life. Analyzing the Chinese character for “music” (樂), which shares its origin with the character for “medicine” (藥), he emphasized music’s healing power. Describing it as “the language of the soul” and “a bandage for the heart,” Kong shared personal stories and real-life examples of how music has helped people—himself included—overcome emotional challenges. He also discussed his current involvement in neuroscience research exploring the use of music as a potential treatment for mental health conditions, expressing his aspiration to bring light and hope to more individuals through the transformative power of music.
Toward the end of the session, Kong invited students to join him on stage for a collaborative improvisation, further showcasing the expressive and unifying nature of music.
The event offered the JI community not only a captivating artistic experience but also a moment of emotional reflection and inspiration. As part of its ongoing effort to blend science and the arts, JI has appointed several accomplished artists as aesthetic education advisors and remains committed to developing interdisciplinary talent. The Institute’s Student Mental Health Association also continues to provide comprehensive psychological support for students. Looking ahead, JI will further strengthen aesthetic education initiatives, promote the integration of science and art, and enrich the cultural life of its campus community.
