A special concert celebrating the musical exchanges between China and France was held in Shanghai, marking the cultural ties between the two countries.
Co-hosted by Shanghai and Paris, the classic music concert was also held to mark the 140th anniversary of Henri Selmer Paris, the iconic woodwind and brass instrument maker who witnessed the glory of French music.
The event reflects deeper bilateral cultural exchanges in a new 60-year cycle in China-France relations after the two countries celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties last year, noted Joan Valadou, Consul General of France in Shanghai, who also guested at the concert.
"[The year] 2024 marks 60 years of China-France diplomatic ties, with over 900 French cultural events held across China. This enduring cultural dialogue remains a key driver of bilateral relations. Looking ahead, 2025 will open a new chapter of deeper, broader, and richer cooperation," said Valadou.
The concert featured a series of classic French songs from the 1930s to 1960s, alongside a Chinese music section where saxophone artists performed renowned Spring Dance and Jasmine Flower.
The concert has provided an opportunity to bring musicians and music lovers of the two countries together, and to bring the best performances and instruments to general music lovers, said senior officers from Henri Selmer Paris.
"We take this chance to bring a lot of world-famous artists to come here to organize a concert and to provide some opportunities for Chinese students and Chinese professors," said Hu Yi, General Manager of Henri Selmer Paris Asia.
"Chinese market is developing really fast for amateur players and retired people. More than classical musicians, we need to develop the product on the context and the link with all the amateur people," said Geoffroy Soler, Group CEO of Henri Selmer Paris.
For participating musicians, the event allowed them to appreciate on site each other's music, which by itself conveyed deep connections among individuals, as well as the two historic cultures.
"I am very happy to play French music here in this part of France in Shanghai, but also to hear the Chinese music played by Chinese musicians. It's very important," said Davy Basquin, a Saxophone Professor of the Conservatoire Maurice Ravel Paris.
The event also held discussions on the development of orchestral music and arts education in the two countries.
Special Shanghai concert celebrates China-France musical exchanges
