Children choirs from Ningbo and France unite in Song

The Chinese and French choirs sing Jasmine Flower together on the ancient stage in Chenghuang Temple in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on July 28. [Photo/Xin Zhicheng]

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the 34th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and Rouen, children from Ningbo, and the renowned French choir Le Choeur Des Polysons joined voices to perform Chinese melodies in Ningbo on July 28.

The enchanting melodies of Jasmine Flower and The Moon Represents My Heart filled the air, casting a gentle and dreamy veil over the historic stage in Chenghuang Temple. The audience, captivated by the harmonious voices, couldn't help but request an encore.

During their visit to Ningbo, the Le Choeur Des Polysons choir immersed themselves in the local culture, exploring the historic city, engaging in traditional crafts like straw fan weaving, experiencing ink wash animations, and delving into the legendary tale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.

The exchange of gifts between the choir members symbolized the mutual respect and admiration cultivated during their time together.

"I prepared a shadow puppet. Children from France may not be familiar with our intangible cultural heritage. I dedicated a whole day to crafting it, intending to present it as a heartfelt gift," said Fan Qianyi from the local children's choir.

The visit not only left a profound impact on the French visitors but also underscored the enduring ties between Ningbo and France, illustrating the profound influence of cultural exchange and friendship in bridging communities across borders through the universal language of music.