The Symphony Kukai has been staged in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, showcasing the life of Kukai, a prominent symbol of cultural exchange, through a moving musical performance by both Chinese and New Zealand musicians.

In his speech before the Friday performance, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said that he is delighted to see this event bringing together cultures in such a positive way and taking place in Auckland.

Zhou Li, cultural consul of the Chinese consulate general in Auckland, noted in his remarks that Kukai serves as an exemplary figure of mutual learning between civilizations. Today, when China is promoting the Global Civilization Initiative, it is believed that civilization is colorful because of exchange and civilization is enriched by mutual learning, said Zhou.

Symphony Kukai, composed by renowned Chinese composer Zou Ye, was presented in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. Conducted by British maestro Derek Morgan, the Auckland Philharmonia performed the symphony, joined by the choir of Central Conservatory of Music from China and the choir from the Music Association of Auckland. Together, they brought the piece to life and delivered a soul-stirring experience for the New Zealand audience.

Kukai, a Japanese monk who traveled to China during the Tang Dynasty to study, returned to Japan with significant cultural and technological advancements. He not only introduced Tang Buddhism to Japan but also brought back knowledge in fields such as education, literature, medicine, architecture, water management, and science, making him a distinguished figure in global cultural exchange.

The Symphony Kukai premiered in 2023 and has since toured Lanzhou, China; Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan; and London, Britain, to widespread acclaim. The Auckland performance, organized by Beijing Tianguzhiyin Cultural Media, was supported by local New Zealand media and community groups. The Great Hall of Auckland Town Hall, which accommodates more than 1,500 people, was filled to capacity for the event with thunderous applause at the end.