The China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) is set to kick off its France concert tour from October 8 to 16, with hundreds of artists preparing musical feasts for audiences in Paris and the French Riviera.
Marking the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, as well as 60 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, the France concert tour will be the thrid overeas tour this year for the Chinese orchestra.
Under the solemn responsibility of taking Chinese music to the world, musicians from the CNSO took over a year to practice and prepare before gearing up for their musical adventure in the home of Claude Debussy and Paul Dukas.
Lin Xi, deputy director of the China National Symphony Orchestra, expressed his confidence in the team.
"I believe the highlight is the music itself. The music will be presented by the most talented artists of China and conducted by the internationally renowned conductor, and also joined by very famous soloists from China and France," said Lin.
The performances will be staged in Toulouse in the Provence region, as well as the Paris Philharmonic Hall in Paris. Tan Dun, a world-renowned conductor, will spearhead each show throughout the tour.
"Toulouse is a very interesting cultural place. It has all kinds of interesting musicians, music. And Aix-en-Provence is the capital of a drama, theater," said Tan.
"I'm very excited to share the music, specifically today's voice, the voice of nature, the voice of the peace, and the voice of the friendship," he added.
According to Lin Xi, the mission of this tour is not only about keeping on the momentum of two countries' relationship, but also about introducing Chinese music and culture to a wider global audience.
"Our number one mission is to keep on the momentum of this good relationship and let more of our culture be introduced to the local audience. And second, of course, we want to have a stronger musical cooperation with the French counterparts. And the last purpose is to introduce the Chinese music to the other world," said Lin.
Founded in 1956, the CNSO is the top Chinese orchestra, which has owned a substantial domestic and international presence.
China National Symphony Orchestra to embark on France tour
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition