Concert showcases traditional Chinese music, folk songs in New Zealand

A concert performed traditional Chinese music and folk songs to New Zealand audience in central Auckland on Monday evening.

Monday's concert, also known as the fifth "Silk Road Melodies" International Concert

Tour, was organized by the New Zealand China Friendship Society, with an aim to promote Chinese traditional performing art and music, as well as to enhance cultural exchange between New Zealand and China.

The concert, featuring the Silk Road Echo Little Stars Art Troupe, the Five-Color String Orchestra, the Beijing Instrumental Association Youth Chamber Orchestra and the New Zealand Chinese Blossom Art Troupe, showcased traditional Chinese music and Chinese folk songs, with unique Chinese instruments such as Guzheng, Erhu and Yangqin.

New Zealand China Friendship Society Tauranga President Tina Zhang was delighted to host the concert in New Zealand.

"The concert showcases our diverse cultural heritage. The repertoire in the concert is a perfect blend of contemporary relevance, cultural nuance, and international style," said Zhang.

Soprano singer, stage director Liu Luxuan, and baritone singer Zhou Nan elevated the music with powerful melodies.

Young musicians from the art troupe were impressed by New Zealand audiences' openness to Chinese culture and their passion for music.

"The Silk Road Melodies concert provided a window into the beauty, depth, and significance of Chinese culture, enriching the cultural exchange between China and New Zealand and fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations," said Liu.

The concert was staged in Tauranga as well on Saturday with a warm welcome from local audiences. The artists from China also engaged with New Zealand art-lover community by visiting local school and Maori marae.