Submitted by urci on
This year marks the 10thanniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute globally. To foster a better understanding about the Chinese diverse and rich cultures and to strengthen the friendships between Canada and China, the Confucius Institute headquarters sent out an art group from Zhejiang Normal University (Zhejiang Province) to debut a performance tour in Western Canada. The art troupe consisting of 20 professors and students arrived on September 21st, 2014 at the University of Regina with the commencement of the Fall semester.
The performance was hosted on campus by the Confucius Institute at the University of Regina. On September 22nd, many enthusiastic residents from all over the City of Regina gathered at the lobby in front of University Theatre to enjoy the Chinese music instruments demonstration as part of the pre-show, followed by the performance starting at 7:00 p.m.
When the show stage was lighted up, Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at University of Regina, delivered a warm welcome remark to the Art Troupe of Zhejing Normal University. Dr. Chase extended a sincere thanks to the Confucius Institute Headquarter in Beijing, and greeted Madame YANG Xinyu, Minister Counselor from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ottawa. Madame Yang, in turn, greeted all the guests and audiences.
On the stage, vigorous artists performed in a series of a fantastic programming with the colorful background “Aspirations of Golden Harvest”. The audience was delighted by the performance of a lion dance, folk music and dances, red lanterns demonstration, instrument Erhu solo, horse racing, and Chinese Kongfu demonstration – to name a few. The program ended in a joyful epilogue: A World in Harmony; with the chorus “Baby Bunnies” performed by the kids from the Confucius Institute Summer Camp.
Ms. Livia Castellanos, Director of UR International expressed, “University of Regina – China relations date back to over four decades. With the opening of the Confucius Institute in 2011, the University has become a prime example of friendship with the People’s Republic of China and its dedication to internationalization and international awareness in particular.”
Many attendees stayed after the show to take photos with the performers, to express their gratitude to Confucius Institute, and to give a best wish to the 10thanniversary celebrations.
