Ancient traditions, one shared moon: Melbourne’s Moonlight Across the World arts celebration concludes

Melbourne — On the afternoon of 25 September 2026, as spring brightened the southern hemisphere and the moon approached its fullness, Moonlight Across the World opened at The Round Theatre in Melbourne. Jointly hosted by Chinese Family Support Network Victoria and Melbourne Huazi Arts Troupe, the concert brought together Chinese classical traditions, the arts of different cultures, and Chinese and Western musical styles. Federal and state political guests, representatives of the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne, community leaders and residents from diverse backgrounds gathered to share a celebration of the moon and the performing arts.

The concert unfolded in two acts: Classics in the Moonlight, Ancient Traditions in Bloom; and Moonlight over Mountains and Rivers, One Moon for All.

Act One | Classics in the Moonlight, Ancient Traditions in Bloom

Wang Qiang was responsible for the first act’s creative concept, script, video production and selection of historical material, classical texts and poetry. His professional background includes service on the editorial committee of a national arts publishing house and as head of its theory editorial department. With experience researching classical, ethnic and folk cultures, he has participated in and organised domestic and international collaborative fieldwork, as well as performing on stage for many years.

Drawing on a rich store of historical knowledge, the opening act wove a love of ancient culture and an understanding of Su Shi’s poetry into expressive performances that captivated the audience. Poetry recitation, traditional instruments and classical dance traced cultural origins and evoked the atmosphere of Chinese artistic traditions. Stories of Pangu opening the heavens and Nüwa creating the world were interwoven with the wisdom of the 24 solar terms and legends of the moon palace. Delicate stage imagery conveyed the long history and romantic philosophy of Chinese civilisation.

A carefully staged dialogue across time between Su Dongpo and a child gently explored the origins of full-moon traditions and the feelings of longing associated with gazing at the moon. The act culminated in the enduring poem Shuidiao Getou: When Will the Bright Moon Appear?, expressing the hope that loved ones might live long and share the same moonlight, however far apart.

Organising Committee Chair Junxi Su delivered the opening address. She described the full moon as a deeply tender and sincere symbol in Chinese culture, carrying feelings of reunion, remembrance and hope. The team, she said, sought to share outstanding Chinese traditions through performance, explore the historical significance of women’s strength, and build a platform for understanding and connection among cultural communities in Australia. She thanked Chinese Family Support Network Victoria for its commitment to the community; the performers and crew of Melbourne Huazi Arts Troupe for their careful preparation and generous voluntary work; the parents of young performers for their wholehearted support; and the entire team for its shared dedication. She also extended warm festival greetings to the guests and audience.

Guest addresses and group photographs

After the first act, the concert moved into guest addresses and cultural exchange. The occasion brought together distinguished guests and attracted attention from the wider community and the Chinese Consulate-General.

Federal MP Julian Hill praised the sustained contributions of Chinese community leaders such as Junxi Su, who have led Melbourne’s Chinese community in local service, charitable work and multicultural development. He recognised the community’s cohesion and sense of social responsibility, expressed the Federal Government’s strong support for multicultural communities, and offered warm wishes for the full-moon festival.

Victorian MP Meng Heang Tak attended and spoke on behalf of the Premier of Victoria. He commended Chinese community organisations for regularly presenting high-quality traditional cultural events that enrich Victoria’s multicultural life and bring warmth and cultural depth to local communities.

Liu Dongyuan, Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne, spoke highly of the concert. She described it as coherent in structure, ambitious in purpose, carefully performed and rich in cultural depth, bringing together Chinese history, national spirit and traditional festival culture. In her assessment, its standard would hold its own on a national stage in China, combining intellectual substance, artistic quality and audience appeal.

Whitehorse Mayor Kirsten Langford, who has attended local Chinese festival events on many occasions, praised the Chinese community’s warmth, unity and positive spirit. She recognised the organisers’ ability to present diverse perspectives and women’s strength on stage, and their dedication to meaningful community cultural programming.

Matt Gregg, the Member for Deakin, said that the long-standing and inclusive traditions of Chinese arts continue to bring fresh vitality to Australia’s multicultural landscape and enrich the cultural lives of local communities.

The guest addresses offered heartfelt reflections. Afterwards, guests and Chinese Family Support Network Victoria gathered for group photographs, preserving moments of friendship and cultural exchange between Chinese and Australian communities.

Act Two | Moonlight over Mountains and Rivers, One Moon for All

Following the guest exchange, the concert opened its expansive and elegant second act.

Mountains and seas may divide us, but the moon connects our hearts. Regions nurture different cultures, yet the longing, hope and wish for reunion inspired by the moon have been shared across the world throughout history. Centred on the coexistence of diverse cultural arts, this act brought together traditional dances from different countries, Chinese opera and Chinese and international vocal classics, presenting cultures flourishing and connecting under one shared moon.

The act opened with Bendjo Academy of Serbian Dance & Culture performing the traditional Serbian dance Kumanovsko Poljé. Young dancers in beautifully detailed traditional costumes moved with light, precise and joyful steps, drawing on the Balkan region’s longstanding folk dance traditions. Conveying unity, warmth, inclusion and neighbourly connection, the performance showcased the distinctive character of European folk arts and opened a celebration of cultures sharing one stage — a reflection of Melbourne’s multicultural identity.

A male vocal ensemble made a striking first appearance. A quartet sang the Italian classic Funiculì, Funiculà, followed by a 17-member choir’s heartfelt rendition of Mongolian People. The performances received guidance and conducting from Zhao Yan, Guo Yuhan and Yang Kun, an experienced vocal teacher from a teachers’ college.

Stephenie Chen (Chen Yao) performed the bawu solo Tian Bian — Beyond the Horizon — inviting the audience into a world of reflection and longing.

Mongolian, Xinjiang and Tibetan dances, including Joyful Songs of the Grasslands, Dolan Dance, The Pomegranates Are Ripe and Auspicious Songs of Joy, followed in turn, showcasing the rich character of these regional traditions.

Peking opera Zha Mei An and the Sichuan opera art of face-changing demonstrated the depth and distinctive appeal of Chinese theatrical traditions.

Stephen Coutts performed Fly Me to the Moon, his singing echoing the concert’s Mid-Autumn theme of looking towards the moon.

Oscar Cao sang Colourful Clouds Accompany the Seagulls, evoking a beautiful Mid-Autumn scene of sea and sky meeting as the evening awaited the moonrise.

A particularly moving moment was How Can I Not Think of Her?, sung by Charles Wang with graceful accompanying dancers from Huazi Arts Troupe. The performance brought a century-old classic to life. Originating in a vernacular poem written by Liu Bannong while studying in Britain, the work introduced the feminine written pronoun “她” and filled a gap in modern Chinese expression. Set to music by Zhao Yuanren, it has been sung for a century. The sustained, expressive singing and gentle choreography conveyed the restrained elegance and affection of Chinese culture, allowing the audience to experience the enduring emotional power of the work.

The children’s diabolo performance brought playful energy to the stage. Their accomplished skills illustrated the dedication behind the saying that a minute on stage takes ten years of practice.

The group dance Blessings for the Motherland brought the atmosphere to a high point, with the dancers sweeping across the stage in striking green skirts. History changes with time, while the moon’s gentle presence endures.

The concert balanced Chinese classical traditions with international artistic sensibilities: traditional instruments offered sustained lyricism, while Western classics brought romantic elegance. Children’s performances were lively and fresh, reflecting young Chinese Australians’ confidence and connection with their heritage. From ancient civilisation and classical poetry to regional traditions and the meeting of Chinese and Western arts, the programme told the cultural story of the full-moon festival with depth, warmth and an uplifting spirit.

Connecting communities through culture

Performers spanned generations, from children and young people to older adults, all bringing enthusiasm and care to their work on stage. An audience from diverse cultural backgrounds shared the gentle atmosphere of Melbourne’s early spring and experienced the warmth and openness of Chinese traditions.

The organisers said they would continue their community-minded work, developing cultural events of quality, warmth and depth. Using culture as a bond and the arts as a bridge, they aim to encourage cultural exchange and contribute to Victoria’s flourishing multicultural life.

With a bright moon and traditions carried forward, Moonlight Across the World earned praise from consular representatives, political guests, the audience and community members for its thoughtful programme, cultural substance and accomplished performances. It stood out among Melbourne’s full-moon-themed events this year for its thoughtful artistic vision, coherent programme and high artistic standard. The celebration offered warm festival wishes to local communities and introduced the distinctive appeal of Chinese traditions to the wider Australian public, adding a meaningful chapter to people-to-people cultural exchange between China and Australia.