The Lunar New Year is an important holiday in China and other South East Asian countries and represents a time of reunion. Each year of the lunisolar calendar is represented by one of 12 animals, more commonly referred to as the Chinese Zodiac. This year marks the Year of The Tiger representing strength and bravery.

The Confucius Institute at the Ulster University was established in 2011 to develop academic, cultural, economic and social ties between Northern Ireland and China. The connection between Ulster and Chinese universities has deepened cooperation in the exchange of teachers and students, establishing research and development platforms, and sharing teaching ideas and other resources.

The Campbell College Pipe Band was honoured to be invited to join in the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Ulster University. To mark this milestone, the Institute produced a special virtual celebration of Chinese New Year, bringing together music, dance and cultural performances of China and the Island of Ireland.

The Pipe Band performed three pieces – The Campbell College Pipes and Drums, Auld Lang Syne and Two Tigers or Liang Zhi Lao Hu, a Chinese nursery rhyme that shares the melody of Frère Jacques. You can watch the performance here; our Pipe Band is featured at 34 minutes into the video.

We wish all families observing this tradition a prosperous and Happy New Year!