Feature: Spring Festival concert held in Chinese consulate general in Houston

"Bravo, bravo," chanted more than 100 distinguished guests in the main hall of the Chinese consulate general in Houston on Wednesday night, where a "Greetings From Spring Festival" concert was being held.

In brief remarks, Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin wished all the guests a successful and happy Year of the Monkey. He said that this event is for friendship and for blessings.

"The friendship between you and us, between Chinese and American people is growing day by day, along with the development of China-U.S. cooperation and relations," he said.

"Many important mutual exchanges witnessed the growth, including President Xi's visit to the United States and Vice Premier Liu Yandong's visit to Houston last year. Many more mutual exchanges and cooperation will further promote the friendship in the years to come," he said, adding that "both Chinese and American are working hard to embrace a more peaceful and prosperous future."

"We stand ready to strengthen coordination with the United States, to create new power for growth, and jointly contribute to the stability and recovery of world economy," the diplomat said.

On Wednesday night, guests from the local Chinese community and all walks of life of Houston were lucky enough to fully appreciate the charm of Eastern and Western music's combination in the performance of the Golden Buddha Jazz Band.

According to the composer and piano player of the band Hongwei Kong, the band, formed in Beijing in 2002, always aims to explore the integration of Eastern and Western music by combining the system of modern Western music with the elements of Chinese music.

Like others, U.S. Congressman Al Green greatly enjoyed the performance.

"I like their performance, it is amazing. Thank them for letting us come together to have a good time tonight. They are using music, the unique and common language of human being to play the songs superlatively well," he said, adding that "Culture exchange like this can help promote the friendship between our two peoples and two countries."

Echoing the congressman's comments, Zijun Zhao, chairman of the Asian Chamber of Commerce in Houston, said: "They are really top players, they did do a great job tonight. And I hope we can have more performances like this in the future as this is the best way to show China's soft power and is beneficial to the culture exchange between China and the United States and their bilateral ties." Endi