Canadian artists to perform at China's renownd arts festival

Canada will send more than 100 well-known local artists to perform at the 16th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, which begins in the capital city of China on April 25, and which features Canada as a guest country in the event.

"We are honoured that Canada has been selected as the featured country for the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. Exchanges such as these promote and strengthen the strong relationship between Canada and China and benefit our diverse arts and cultural sector globally," said Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister, John McCallum, at a press conference on Thursday on behalf of the Canadian government.

The festival will feature a variety of performances by Canadian artists and art groups such as the Ottawa Bach Choir, Goh Ballet, Buzz Brass, among others.

A Canadian Jazz night will take place on May 21 at China's National Center for the Performing Arts as the concluding program of the Festival.

In his message to the press conference, Canadian Governor General David Johnston said, "As bridge-builders between nations, artists and the contributions they make are essential to the smarter, more caring world to which we aspire."

The Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, inaugurated in 2000 and held annually from April to May, is an international festival and one of China's largest cultural events with a brilliant performers' list including Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, and the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Endi