The Guangzhou International Friendship Art Troupe held a gala party in the city of Linkoping, Sweden on the night of Sept 1 to kick off the 2017 Guangzhou Culture Week in North Europe.

Wang Dong, deputy mayor of Guangzhou, and Helena Barta, mayor of Linkoping attended the event to watch the first international exchange performance of the culture week, celebrating 20 years of sister city relations between the two sides.

Linkoping, the fifth largest city in Sweden, is located in the south of the country and is famed for its scientific technology and higher education.

Since becoming sister cities in November 1997, the two sides have cooperated in science & technology, education, culture and other areas.

The Guangzhou International Friendship Art Troupe was founded by the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office and the Guangzhou Media Bureau this April. It aims to tap into the art resources of the city and spread the culture of Lingnan. The troupe plans to visit one or two sister cities in foreign countries every year in order to push cultural exchanges between Guangzhou and these areas.

The gala party was composed of five programs, beginning with a series of string quartets performed by four leading string musicians from the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.

The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theater presented the Cantonese opera, White Dragon Pass. The costumes, background music, and performances in the piece won outbursts of applause from the audience.

The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre performs White Dragon Pass on Sept 1 to get underway the 2017 Guangzhou Culture Week in North Europe.[Photo/news.dayoo.com]

Fang Jinlong, a representative player of five-stringed pipa (a Chinese stringed instrument), gave a pipa solo, showing the unique elegance of Chinese ancient culture. 

Wang Cong, "China's Queen of Jazz Music", showcased several Chinese traditional melodies in a tune combining Cantonese opera and jazz music. The Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater performed a modern dance named Rhyme of Martial Art. This dance, combined with elements of Chinese martial arts and acrobatics, revealed ideals of power and beauty.

"The cultural exchange between Guangzhou and its sister city in North Europe has boosted Guangzhou's confidence in furthering its cultural exchange worldwide," said Lu Zhiqiang, director of the troupe and Guangzhou Media Bureau.

"In terms of international cultural exchange, Guangzhou will utilize the opportunities brought by China's Belt and Road Initiative and recognize its unique advantages and orientations. Cultural communication will continue to strengthen international cooperation in all areas."