ZHANGZHOU, May 5 (ZXS) -- "It was an amazing experience that taught me a lot and filled me with courage because everyone here is very hospitable. Carla Canales, a well-known American opera singer, said in an interview with a reporter from the China News Agency on the eve of her visit to Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.
On May 5, a delegation of well-known American artists returned to the United States after the five-day "Qutao" Zhangzhou Culture and Art Week.
Members of the delegation made Chinese medicine formula sachets. Photo by Zhang Jinchuan
During the visit, Chinese and foreign artists carried out cultural exchanges and mutual learning. In Zhangzhou, the members of the delegation watched the puppet performance and its carving production, visited the intangible cultural heritage culture and the Tulou world heritage culture, participated in the bonfire party, appreciated the customs of ethnic minorities, and made sachets of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, etc., immersed themselves in local customs and people, and felt the development and inheritance of excellent traditional Chinese culture.
In the ancient city of Zhangzhou, members of the delegation met folk artists from the "Silver Silk Singing Team" of the opera to perform on weekends. Chinese and American artists temporarily "formed a group", improvised and played musical instruments together, and sang songs such as "Jasmine" and "I Love You China", which won the applause of the audience.
"The modern atmosphere and historical heritage, perfectly integrated in the ancient city of Zhangzhou, are great." Carla Canales praised the protection and development of the ancient city of Zhangzhou. In visiting villages and visiting houses, she felt the enthusiasm and simplicity of the local people, and China's openness, tolerance and love. She hopes that through exchanges in the future, she can achieve greater gains.
"This music and cultural tour shows the great fusion of Chinese and Western cultures." Tian Chao, a member of the delegation, a young dulcimer player in the United States and a former member of the "Women's Twelve Orchestras", said that she has not returned to China for many years, and she is proud to see the remarkable achievements of domestic economic and social development and the happy life of the people, and hopes to make more contributions to Sino-US art exchanges and mutual learning in the future.
American percussionist Tom Tisley described the trip as full of freshness and surprise. He experienced traditional Chinese musical instruments such as gongs, improvised with local folk artists, and also turned into a "groom" to participate in the local drama "Marrying a Relative and Throwing a Hydrangea"...
"Music and dance transcend language barriers and build bridges between the two peoples." Tom Tisley said that traditional Chinese instrumental music will also be used in his future music creations for the world to "hear". It is reported that he and Tian Chao established the "East and West" group, and the two are committed to strengthening the exchange and dissemination of Chinese and Western music and culture through improvised music dialogue.
"Although far from home, in China, there is a warmth and comfort at home." Jazz singer Monette Mesfin said that this trip was the most waving and greeting in her life, which can be imagined as the enthusiasm and generosity of the locals. She said she liked Chinese music and tea culture. Steel drum musician Josan Francis also said that this in-depth cultural and artistic trip far exceeded expectations, and she looked forward to coming to China next time.
Members of the delegation visited the Pian Zixi Museum to experience the profound culture of Chinese medicine. Photo by Zhang Jinchuan
Chen Lihui, inheritor of Zhangzhou puppet show, participated in this exchange activity. When talking about Chinese and foreign artists performing on the same stage on the "People's Stage", what he remembers vividly is that he and Carla Canales did not have such a tacit cooperation without rehearsal. "Eyes are interacting, including people and puppets. What impressed me the most was that her last movement just happened to raise her hand, and my puppet also played with the water sleeve, which felt very good. ”
Chen Lihui said that culture and art have no borders, and hoped to build a bridge of friendship through such exchanges and mutual learning, and at the same time show the cultural confidence of Chinese.
Members of the delegation visited the Pian Zixi Museum to experience the profound culture of Chinese medicine. Photo by Zhang Jinchuan
Zhangzhou is one of the main birthplaces of southern Fujian culture. In recent years, Zhangzhou has actively promoted Chinese culture to better go to the world, continued to expand the international "circle of friends", and built a brand of foreign cultural exchanges. The relevant person in charge of the Zhangzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said that the city played the role of people-to-people friendly exchanges and actively facilitated the delegation's visit to Zhangzhou to carry out cultural exchanges and mutual learning. (End)