Chinese Students Perform Ancient Greek Song at Chengdu-European Cultural Season

Nine Chinese schoolgirls captivated an audience with their rendition of the ancient Greek "Seikilos Epitaph," the oldest surviving complete musical composition, at the Chengdu-European Cultural Season. This event was part of the "A Century of Greek Tourism through Poster Art" exhibition held in Chengdu, southwest China.

The "Seikilos Epitaph," dated between the 1st and 2nd century AD, includes both the melody and lyrics in ancient Greek musical notation. It was discovered engraved on a stele in Aydin, Turkey, in 1883, where the ancient Greek town of Tralles once stood. The song's enduring message is a reminder that life is short, urging people not to let sadness dominate their lives.

The Chinese students' performance highlighted the timelessness of the Seikilos message, bridging cultures and historical eras through music.

(Source: Ekathimerini)