China and Brazil launch Year of Culture with joint concert

A concert marking the opening of the Year of Culture of China and Brazil was held in Brasilia. The China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) and the Claudio Santoro National Theatre Symphony Orchestra of Brazil performed on stage. The event brought together 600 guests, including representatives of the Brazilian and Chinese authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and citizens of both countries. This was reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The programme combined works by Brazilian and Chinese composers, such as "Aquarela do Brasil" by Ary Barroso and the violin concerto "Butterfly Lovers" by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang. The choice of repertoire highlighted the idea of dialogue between musical traditions, reflecting the rapprochement of the two countries through sound.

A representative of the Ministry of Culture of Brazil, Cassius Antonio da Rosa, described the celebration as a vivid symbol of a mature strategic partnership. “Our main goal is to expand mutual understanding between our peoples, allowing art to become the universal language that unites us,” he stated, as quoted on the website of the Government of Brazil.

Antonio da Rosa also emphasised the potential of the creative economy, which accounts for more than 3.5 per cent of Brazil’s gross domestic product (GDP). He confirmed that the Year of Culture serves as a platform for expanding cooperation between the two countries in this sector.

The Ambassador of China to Brazil, Zhu Qingqiao, noted that culture builds bridges and connects hearts. “The history of China–Brazil relations is also a history of cultural exchanges and the rapprochement of peoples,” the diplomat emphasised.

The chief conductor of the Chinese orchestra, Jing Huan, explained that she opened the concert with Batuque (a traditional musical and dance number), well known to Brazilian audiences, as a greeting from the Chinese musicians. Brazilian conductor Claudio Cohen, in turn, expressed admiration for the strength and traditions of Chinese music.

The concert was organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of China in Brazil, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Culture of Brazil.

In the coming days, the orchestras will perform in the Brazilian cities of Natal and Fortaleza. The Brazilian side, in turn, is preparing a series of events in Beijing and Shanghai, which will begin at the end of April.