Text by good friend Kanzai Huang, photos by Fanny Vangucht
« In the cold winter dawn of Paris, with a heart filled with reluctance and sadness, I attended the funeral of the internationally renowned acoustician,
Professor Xu Yaying, at Père Lachaise Cemetery.
The ceremony was solemn and warm, with close friends and family gathering to remember and honor this respected elder. I conveyed greetings from Amy Tong, a senior figure in the French literary and artistic community who introduced us.
Though grieving, Professor Xu's wife remained strong, expressing in Chinese the deep bond she shared with him over more than sixty years. Professor Xu's daughter spoke in English, expressing that her father was her hero, spiritual pillar, and closest friend, describing him as an adventurous spirit now embarking on another journey.
His granddaughter, in French, reminisced about the love and care her grandfather showered upon her throughout her childhood. Writer Zhao Yue-Sheng praised Professor Xu's knowledge and expertise in Chinese.
During the ceremony, French songs "Sous le Ciel de Paris" and "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, as well as the American pop song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, played – three songs beloved by Professor Xu and his wife. Hearing "My Way," Professor Xu's wife seemed momentarily transported, as if back to the ordinary moments they shared enjoying music at home. The ceremony concluded with this song, symbolizing Professor Xu's life.
Remaining gracious, Professor Xu's wife, accompanied by family, nodded in gratitude to those present, thanking them for accompanying Professor Xu on his final journey and advising everyone to take care. Witnessing the images of Professor Xu's memorial and his wife's composure, I found it difficult to hold back tears.
Taiwan's cultural and musical venues, including the "Weiwuying National Arts and Cultural Center," "Kaohsiung Pop Music Center," "Taipei Arena," "Taipei Dome," "Zhongshan Hall," "Taipei Symphony Orchestra," "Taipei Performing Arts Center," "Taipei Music and Book Center," and "Tsing Hua University JunShan Music Hall," all bear the influence and contributions of Professor Xu Ya-Ying. As the arts community enjoys the outstanding acoustics of these venues, let us remember Professor Xu Ya-Ying's contributions to Taiwan.
Rest in peace, Professor Xu Yaying, and may Professor Xu's wife find solace and strength in her grief. »