Musical adventure in China: LOTT & Friends on Tour
In September 2024, the band LOTT & Friends (Jacco Minnaard, (guitar, piano and vocals), Lotte Gommers (vocals), Martijn Heijnen (percussion, guitar and vocals) and Ivo Hulscher (saxophone/s)) made an unforgettable musical tour of southern China. Below is a brief account of what these musicians were able to experience during the twelve-day visit.
A warm welcome in Shenzhen
Our journey began in Shenzhen, where we were welcomed by Professor Zhang Boyu and his team from the Conservatory of Music of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen. Here we stayed for five days and were part of the Belt & Road International Festival and Conference with artists from Tajikistan, Vietnam, Colombia and Turkey. This was part of the conference with several speakers, including Rob van Waaijen, director of the JAM Foundation and VNC member since the very beginning.
Enchanting performances
During our twelve-day stay we played many different stages. Here only some highlights because to describe everything we could fill the whole magazine.
Our first performance was at the Run Run Shaw International Conference Center at the aforementioned university, where we got to play to an audience of 250 people. The energy of the audience was incredible and it set the tone for the rest of the tour. On the third day of the festival, we were blown away by the architecture and scale of the Guangming Culture and Art Center. Seriously, are we allowed to stand here? It humbled us. As many as 800 enthusiastic visitors were absorbed in our music, and the large stage suited our little band just fine. The energy in the room was unforgettable! What an experience.
Another special moment was our performance in the beautiful garden of the Dutch consulate in Guangzhou. In the garden of the consul general Efstathios Andreou’s private residence, we played for 90 minutes during a networking reception. The interaction with the audience was very nice because of the international character. Whether we sang in Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese or English; there was someone who understood us every time.
A day later, we played at the Lotus Theater in Yun Fu, in front of an audience of 1,200 people. The heartfelt response and the almost surreal venue made this performance magical.
On our last day, we visited a high school in Guangzhou district of Panyou where the students had been anticipating our arrival for weeks. We made music for them, but also got a lot of music back from them. This day was all about connection through music and that was tremendously felt. On the square in front of a traditional tea house in Shawan Ancient Town (Panyou district) we gave our last concert and here it was again clearly felt that music brings people together and transcends borders.
Culinary and Cultural Trips
In addition to the performances, we also enjoyed the rich culture and delicious cuisine of China. From local delicacies to traditional ceremonies and beautiful temples. Each experience contributed to the connection with this beautiful country.
Unforgettable journey
We look back on this special trip with great pleasure. The warmth of the people, the diversity of all the places we got to play and the moments of connection we will take with us forever.
We are grateful for this opportunity to share our music and make new friendships. Big thanks to Rob van Waaijen and the many organizations that helped make this activity a reality. Without their help, the trip would not have been possible.
Want to know more about us? Then follow us at lottandfriends.com Once you hear about us, you’re guaranteed to want more LOTT in your life!
Lotte, Jacco, Martijn and Ivo
LOTT & Friends
Thanks to: Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen, Chinese Musician Assocation CMA, Chinese Federation for Literary and Art Circles CFLAC, Jeunesses Musicales International JMI, Jeugd en Muziek, Dutch Consulate in Guangzhou. HongKong Elderly Commission HKELD, VNC and Stichting JAM
