On Friday, the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing played host to a mesmerizing performance of Bach’s Sonata in G Minor for flute and harpsichord by renowned organ and harpsichord artist and educator Shen Fanxiu, alongside flutist Liu Ye. The event, titled When Science Meets Art, aimed to ignite a passion for science among the public. Co-hosted by the NCPA, Beijing Association for Science and Technology, and Peking University Press, the performance was a highlight of the Science and Technology Week leading up to the eighth annual National Science and Technology Workers’ Day on May 30.
During the event, esteemed paleontologist and Chinese Academy of Sciences academician Shu Degan shared insights into the translation process of Darwin’s seminal work On the Origin of Species into Chinese. He emphasized the intrinsic connection between science and art, citing Darwin’s profound appreciation for music, particularly the works of Mozart and Beethoven, along with a love for literature by William Shakespeare and visual arts. Shu delighted the audience by reciting excerpts from On the Origin of Species in Chinese, underscoring the harmonious relationship between scientific inquiry and artistic expression.
Peking University Press also unveiled its extensive collection of books during this event. Comprising the largest assortment of translations of classic science literature, Peking University Press further enriched the intersection of science and culture for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
