ASTANA – The Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan held a theatrical gala concert titled, “The Happy Spring Festival” on Jan. 30 at the Palace of Peace and Harmony.
Ambassador Zhang Hanhui and Minister Arystanbek Mukhamediuly
“Our countries, which have existed together here on the Silk Road since ancient times, have been inseparable and friendly neighbours for quite some time. Today, we must continue to strengthen our relationship and leave only friendship and kindness for the next generation,” Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly said during the opening of the concert while wishing everyone a happy holiday.
Ambassador of China to Kazakhstan Zhang Hanhui noted that, “the Happy Spring Festival has brought the people of the two countries closer together and that will pave the way for further cooperation.”
The event included a wu-shu performance and instrumental solos on traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu and suona. Artists from Zhengzhou Theatre of Song and Dance and the Tago Shaolin Martial Arts School staged the performances.
Pupils from the Tago Shaolin Martial Arts School have won international Shaolin Kung Fu tournaments. They were also invited to perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens, at the opening ceremony of the World Special Olympics 2013, the Asian Games and the opening and closing of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Zhengzhou Theatre of Dance and Song is a professional artistic team operated by the Chinese government and has repeatedly been awarded the Lotus Dance Prize. The dance group performed a spectacular swan dance, a fan dance and colourful folk dances.
Present at the event were officials from Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, Director of the National Museum Darkhan Mynbai and foreign dignitaries based in Kazakhstan. More than 1,300 people attended the event celebrating the traditional Chinese New Year. Tickets started at 500 tenge (US$2.70).
The Chinese Embassy presented the citizens of Kazakhstan with books on the Chinese traditional Spring Festival and geological knowledge about China.
Chunjie, or the spring festival, is the most solemn traditional festival in China. It symbolises tranquility, harmony, happiness, prosperity and all that is beautiful. People traditionally make New Year’s wishes.
The art troupe will stage four more performances in Almaty, Kazakhstan and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
