Mr. James Williams,
My Lords and MPs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends:
Good evening!
It is a real delight to join you at China Night Concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
This year also marks the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the level of chargé d’affaires. In this important and special year, tonight’s concert is of special significance because it will play three special notes:
First, it will play the note of progress.
Since its founding 70 years ago, New China has made remarkable progress in its economy and society. The life of the Chinese people has greatly improved, and China’s national strength has been growing with each passing day. China is making ever-greater contribution to world peace and development.
The four pieces in tonight’s programme were composed over a period that spans nearly a century. They range from a sorrowful cry of a nation struggling for independence and a hearty praise of the beautiful homeland to a profound reflection on the time-honoured history. They sing about the Chinese culture, heritage and ideals. And they tell the stories of the resilience and relentlessness of the Chinese people.
Second, the concert will play the note of mutual learning and integration.
Symphony was born in the West, but it can tell China’s stories.
Tonight, Chinese conductor Xu Zhong, piano virtuoso Wan Jieni and the artists of China Philharmonic Orchestra will join hands with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Their choice and performance of Chinese and Western masterpieces will emphasise the theme of exchanges and mutual learning between civilisations. I am sure we will have a grand feast of music featuring comprehension, integration and appreciation.
Third, the concert will play the note of exchanges and win-win cooperation.
Recent years saw ever-closer and fruitful China-UK cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Tonight’s concert is both the fruition of the cooperation between top Chinese and British orchestras and a vivid example of the mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and the UK.
I have learnt that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who has close partnerships with many Chinese art groups, will go on a tour in China in the near future.
I am confident that, with the joint efforts of the cultural and art communities of our two countries, China-UK cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation will produce more fruits and deliver more benefits to the peoples of our two countries.
John Milton once wrote, “Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie.”
I sincerely hope that the above “three notes” to be played at tonight’s concert will help us build consensus and pool our strength to ensure the steady and sustained development of the China-UK “Golden Era”.
In conclusion, I wish tonight’s concert great success. And I wish everyone a pleasant evening!
Thank you!
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