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Chinese opera showcasing Jiangsu beauty for New Year in Brussels

William Denselow in Brussels

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Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

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Chinese New Year is rapidly approaching and, like much of Europe, a number of celebrations have been organized in Brussels.

Events have been arranged in coordination with Jiangsu's Tourism Department, to showcase the unique cultural heritage of the Chinese province.

Among the shows was one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. It showed that Kunqu is very much alive. Kunqu, also known as Kunju or Kun opera, is a traditional Chinese opera that combines song, dance, and acting.

It was the first time audiences outside of China have enjoyed the orchestra's production of The Peony Pavilion.

Li Chen, Viola Principal of the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, told CGTN Europe: "I think that music is wherever in this world, music is always the most important part of our life especially during the big ceremonies or festivals."

The performance has been at the China Cultural Center in Brussels, just ahead of the Chinese New Year.

Linlin from the China Cultural Center added: "It is a good opportunity to introduce our culture to all of the world.

"Brussels is the center of Europe so I think here how many different cultures and people come here and it's a really good time to let people know our culture."

The orchestra's production of The Peony Pavilion is now being enjoyed outside of China. /CGTN Europe
The orchestra's production of The Peony Pavilion is now being enjoyed outside of China. /CGTN Europe

The orchestra's production of The Peony Pavilion is now being enjoyed outside of China. /CGTN Europe

A particular focus has been on the culture of Jiangsu province with organizers saying this particular province is "one of the cradles of Chinese civilization."

As well as being an important region for cultural and economic development, organizers also hope to promote Jiangsu's natural beauty.

Huang Hongchang, Vice Director of Cultural Exchange and Tourism, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said: "Jiangsu province is one of the very important provinces in China which has at the same time a very large rivers, big lakes, and also the sea, close to the sea."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU and those in Brussels hope cultural exchanges like this incredible production will bring the two sides even closer together.

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