By Omonu Nelson
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun has stated that the Chinese Traditional Orchestra was invited to Nigeria to perform for the first time based on the belief that cultural exchange is vital in promoting harmony and people-to-people cooperation between both nations.
The Chinese envoy disclosed this while speaking at a joint musical performance by China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) and the Nigeria Arts Troupe held at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
His words, “Harmony and Symphony is very important for every individual, society and nation. Symphony is a function of harmony. In traditional China, we believe in harmony in co-existence, harmony in integration, harmony in diversity and harmony in development.
“We perform Nigeria-China Symphony to deepen the relationship and people-to-people cooperation between both nations.
“We perform Nigeria-China symphony to achieve four cardinal objectives namely kindness and harmony; happiness and friendship; unity and concordance; peace and consonance.
“I hope that after this performance from these wonderful music groups, China and Nigeria will continue to enjoy harmony for a shared future,” he added.
Guests at the event were treated to excellent orchestras such as “Dragons and Tigers Leaping”, “Moonlit Night on a Spring River”, and “Beautiful Africa” by the Chinese contingent. At the same time, the Nigerian troupe performed highlife melodies such as “Guitar Boy”, “Onidodo Oni Moi Moi”, and “Omi Pupa”.
A significant event highlight was a joint performance of the popular Nigerian folk song “Akwai wani geri” and the Chinese song “Jasmine Flower” by both musical groups.
With the theme, Share Chinese Harmony, Perform Nigeria-China Symphony, the event was organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria