French-Chinese relations fully in tune as orchestra dazzles Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is one of France's most iconic landmarks. On Wednesday night, China's National Traditional Orchestra performed under its dazzling 17th century chandeliers, marking the 60th anniversary of Sino-French relations.

‌The orchestra played alongside France's Royal Opera Orchestra in a venue once frequented by French kings. In a video address China's President Xi Jinping hailed the countries' blossoming relationship.

"In the past 60 years, the relationship between China and France has always....contributed to the wellbeing of both countries. But also to the peace, stability and development in the world," Xi said.

‌French President Emmanuel Macron echoed that sentiment, saying the relationship has "led to concrete results" and that going forward, "artists, writers, researchers, entrepreneurs, tourists, students will be able to forge new links.”

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‌Musical traditions were shared and blended throughout the evening, starting with an impassioned rendition of the prelude to the Chinese classical composer Li Huanzhi's famous overture 'Spring Festival.'

‌France's well-known opera 'Carmen' was also performed with traditional Chinese instruments like the two-stringed bowed erhu and the pear shaped, four-stringed pipa.

‌The performance took place before an audience of about 500.

‌"I loved it," said Buon-Huong Tan, a former member of the French Legislative Assembly.  "I was amazed how the French musicians played the Chinese music and also the Chinese musicians played the French music. And I think actually this kind of collaboration should be the same for politics and economics.”

‌Wednesday's concert was not the final note on 60th anniversary celebrations. There are dozens of artistic events planned throughout 2024 in France and China in what has been dubbed the year of cultural tourism.

‌A Palace of Versailles and Forbidden City joint exhibition will open in April and bring together nearly 150 works dedicated to the exchanges between the two countries since the end of the 17th century.

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