Classical Music in China, through the eyes of five composers: Online talk by Dr Ben Lunn
Classical music in China has gone through a fascinating process of evolution which followed the shape of the society and its continuous changes. Despite its fascinating history, full of lessons for many the world over, large elements of this music are unknown to many in the Western world. In this session, Dr Ben Lunn will discuss the circumstances that influenced five particularly significant composers - Xian Xinghai, Jian'er Zhu, Tan Dun, Wenchen Qin, Sel Nkbayar - drawing out how they adapted to the changing world around them. SACU is delighted to host this talk by member Dr Ben Lunn, composer […]
How to Eat: A Confucian Guide to Dining Together
How to Eat: A Confucian Guide to Dining Together - Lecture for SACU Are table manners important? Confucius once said: “Exemplary persons do not take leave of their authoritative conduct even for the space of a meal.” Even during a meal, one’s consideration for the comfort of fellow diners provide pertinent opportunity to cultivate consummate conduct (ren 仁). Beyond avoiding a faux pas, eating together compels us to bring out the better part of ourselves with every mouthful. The Analects of Confucius, trans. Roger T. Ames and Henry Rosemont Jr. (New York: Ballantine Books, 1998), 90. This lecture is one […]
SACU Annual General Meeting – 21 June 2025 (Online)
SACU members are warmly invited to SACU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place online on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (BST). AGM papers and Zoom link have been circulated to all members. Call for Council Nominations As part of the AGM, nominations for SACU Council members are invited. This year, we particularly need to appoint two officers for the key roles of: Chair Treasurer We are also seeking members who can contribute their expertise in the following areas: Zoom Management Social Media Promotions If you are interested in standing for election, or would […]
Anglo-Chinese Relations in an Upended World
Anglo-Chinese Relations in an Upended World: Free online talk for SACU by Andrew K P Leung, SBS, FRSA Introduction: The liberal, value-and rules-based world order led by the United States since the end of the Second World War has now been upended by President Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) rules-of-the-jungle iconoclasm, rattling relations with the entire world, traditional allies not exempted. Many nations including EU Member States are recalibrating relationships with other regions and nations with growth potential, especially China, as the world's second largest economy, ideological and other risks regardless. As home to Adam Smith and the world's […]
How to Entertain: A Confucian Guide to Being the Host or Guest
How to Entertain: A Confucian Guide to Being the Host or Guest - Lecture for SACU The essence of propriety is to “be humble and respect others,” according to the Chinese classic on ritual. This dual sentiment is manifestly lived out in the interaction between host and guest, which can range from a casual visit to a friend to meeting parents-in-law for the first time. Through various situations, we examine how Confucian thought esteems adaptability to the context in these complementary roles. This lecture is one of a series: A Practical Guide for Every Day - The Art of Living […]
The Lisbon Maru: Chinese and British Friendships Forged
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. The Lisbon Maru: Chinese and British Friendships Forged “In the Flames of War” and Developed in Times of Peace – Online Talk by Brian Finch Brief Introduction/ Background to the Topic Background to the speaker’s interest; how Fang Li came across the story and developed a passion for the subject – at very considerable personal cost; the significance of the story; the success of the film; the connection with President Xi Jinping; the memorials in both the UK and China and the relationship between Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and the […]
Echoes of War, Visions of Peace – Invitation to SACU members
Bluecoat Gallery 8 School Lane, Liverpool, United KingdomSACU is co-host with CMG and CGTN and all SACU members are cordially invited to attend. Event: "Echoes of War, Visions of Peace", to mark the end of World War II Day/Time: Tuesday 26 August, 6.00-9.00pm Venue: Bluecoat Gallery, 8 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX Programme: Panel of world experts to discuss the crucial but often forgotten role of China in World War II. Witness to War – The Story of George Hogg, documentary film screening The film will incorporate footage recorded during our April SACU "Footsteps of George Hogg" Tour Dr Frances Wood, SACU Vice President, will be on […]
What China Taught me about my country and its culture
Huge’s latest book is on a subject that matters to every thinking Briton: WHO ARE WE, and how will we survive in the Age of Asia? "I first went to China in the 1970s when even a youngster such as I could see that both China and the UK were in dire straits. In the subsequent 15 years, remarkable leaders of both countries arose to tackle what they saw as the disintegration of their societies. Although both countries changed, thanks to their guidance, it has become apparent that China has been much more successful in escaping from those straits. Our […]
SACU’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
King's College London, Strand Campus Strand, London, United KingdomJoin us for our Celebration Day on 20th September when we will commemorate both SACU’s 60th Anniversary and George Hogg’s 110th Anniversary. Speakers include: Professor Michael Wood, SACU President Professor Kerry Brown, LAU China Institute KCL Mark Aylwin Thomas, author of George Hogg’s biography Professor Sun Hua, Peking University and co-sponsor of the SACU/PKU Essay-Art Competition. We are also honoured to have a Senior Representative from the Chinese Embassy. The President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Deputy Director of FAO Gansu Provincial Government will attend with delegations from China. 友 Speeches […]
How to work together: A Confucian guide to workplace relations
We may spend more time during the day and most days of the week with colleagues than family members, which makes work relations vital to realising the good life. In early Confucian thought, the shared goal of mutual personal growth for both leader and subordinate was to ensure a thriving community. We bring to light how the seemingly hierarchical work setting accommodated a dynamic nature to the relationship – drawing on Confucius and other exemplars who creatively engaged with others even in difficult situations. Confucius lived over 2000 years ago, yet his influence remains very strong in China. During the […]