Feature: Chinese artists hold celebratory Athens concert bringing two nations closer

Greek music lovers, including Culture Minister Aristeidis Baltas, local officials, and Chinese expatriates gave a warm welcome on Wednesday evening to the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater Symphony Orchestra.

In celebration of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, the acclaimed orchestra performed at the Athens Concert Hall.

The concert featured a dozen popular classic compositions of great Chinese artists inspired by the country's ancient tradition and cultural dialogue with the West, and was staged under the auspices of the Chinese embassy in Greece.

Renowned virtuosos of traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as Lin Gan, Luo Huifang and Yu Xiaoqing brought to the stage a taste of China's culture with the melodies of the Erhu, the Pipa and the Chinese bamboo flute which were combined with western instruments and rhythms.

The audience gave warm applause to the ensemble conducted by Zhang Zheng after the excellent performance of compositions such as Li Wenping's "Jasmine Flower" and Liu Xijin's "Loulan Girl."

Baltas enjoyed the performance with Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli, who has announced that more such cultural bridges connecting the two countries and people will be built.

"Today's event links two music traditions on the level of music instruments and conditions for this dialogue. It was tremendously interesting how traditional Chinese music instruments were connected to Western music instruments. I think that this kind of exchange in the music field promises very interesting compositions in the future," the Greek minister said.

Greek spectators gave a standing ovation to the Chinese artists, in particular after the major surprise the orchestra had planned for the finale.

The concert ended with Greeks clapping hands to the rhythm of the "Children of Piraeus," a popular song written by late Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis for the film "Never on Sunday" starring Melina Mercouri.

The song performed by Mercouri won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1960.

"It is the first time I am listening to Chinese music if we exclude the music I have heard when watching Chinese films. I can say it is impressive. I was very much impressed by their soloists. I think they were all superb," painter Ioli Xifara told Xinhua after the concert.

"The finale, yes it is true, touched me very much. Their performance of the Children of Piraeus was marvelous. Music and art connects all nations, all people," she added.

For more than half a century, the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater Symphony Orchestra has been promoting Chinese culture around the world and connects people by integrating Chinese and western musical styles.

On Sept. 30, Chinese musicians will perform at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Endit