AI-driven music takes center stage at 7th China Now Festival in New York

The 7th China Now Festival opened on Saturday with a groundbreaking focus on AI-driven music at Carnegie Hall, New York City.

"Music serves as an excellent lubricant in U.S.-China relations. It is a form of cultural exchange, a connection from heart to heart," said the festival's Artistic Director Cai Jindong at the U.S.-China Music Forum, held before the opening concert.

Composers discussed the growing role of AI in music at the forum, providing the audience with fresh insights into this emerging frontier.

"With China's rapid development over the past 30 years, we now have the opportunity to explore new frontiers in music creation through AI technology," said Cai.

Co-hosted by the U.S.-China Music Institute of Bard College Conservatory of Music and the Central Conservatory of Music of China (CCOM), the festival runs through Oct. 19, featuring three concerts and a music forum.