The Appassionato Symphony Orchestra hits the high notes during the concert. [Photo/WeChat account of XMFAO]
The 2024 Xiamen International Friendship Concert on Dec 30 provided a major boost to Sino-French relations.
Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Cultural Tourism Year. It also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of sister city friendships between Xiamen and Nice, France.
Held at the Tan Kah Kee Theater on the evening of Dec 30, 2024, it was part of the series of activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the China-France diplomatic relations.
The renowned Appassionato Symphony Orchestra from France and the Xiamen Foreign Language School Orchestra joined forces to perform well-known Chinese and foreign classical music pieces.
The concert was attended by nearly 1,000 guests, including representatives from foreign consulates in Xiamen, sister cities and foreign nationals from companies and institutions.
During the concert, the two orchestras performed masterpieces by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Glinka, as well as Chinese music pieces like Jasmine, showcasing exquisite skills.
As the encore piece Auld Lang Syne began to play, children from the Xiamen Foreign Language School Orchestra joined foreign artists on stage, intertwining Chinese and foreign cultures and presenting a rich display of friendship.
The concert played a positive role in promoting the Global Civilization Initiative, advancing cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and foreign countries enriching the cultural life of residents and contributing local efforts to build a stronger partnership between China and France.
The audiences are immersed in the concert. [Photo/WeChat account of XMFAO]
The National Immigration Administration announced on Dec 17 that it will fully relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy, which is effective immediately. Xiamen is involved.
China has rolled out multiple new policies to optimize payment services for foreigners, allowing convenient use of international bank cards on platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
