Bond of music

Frances Roots is the daughter of missionary Logan Roots, who arrived in China in 1896.

At the invitation of the then Chinese premier Zhou Enlai, Frances Roots returned to China and composed The Lushan Suite, and performed the suite in 1972 in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

This act of "music diplomacy" helped pave the way for reviving cultural exchange as China began opening its doors to the world.

To bring this forgotten chapter back to life, Steve Harnsberger reached out to Ellen Roots, Frances' great-niece, in 2020. Ellen subsequently wrote a book, The Lushan Suite: A Love Song from the West to the East, published last year to commemorate this special bond.

The second major project involves a partnership between the Pennsylvania-based Pearl S Buck International and Lushan city and Jiangxi province. The collaboration aims to establish a museum and cultural exchange program, including an educational sponsorship program for local students.

Steve Harnsberger's efforts have received positive feedback from the US consulate in Wuhan and the foreign affairs department of Jiangxi province.

Having visited China more than 20 times, Steve Harnsberger often reflects on why his forebears chose to go to China and remain there during times of famine and war.

"Now I'm getting older and I'm realizing … we need a better understanding between the Chinese people and the American people, and that's why I decided to start doing this with my heart and soul," he explained.

"It's crucial that future generations inherit a more peaceful world and hear voices advocating for mutual respect," he said.