Opening of SCO arts festival lights up Qingdao

The opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States Arts Festival, hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, dazzled audiences at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Shandong province, on Monday evening.

The event, featuring a vibrant youth concert, showcased the rich cultural diversity and artistic excellence of SCO nations under a starlit sky.

The night began with a grand performance of Peace and Prosperity, a mesmerizing song-and-dance piece by renowned Chinese vocalists Jin Shengquan and Wang Yifeng. Accompanied by sweeping orchestral melodies and a dynamic visual backdrop, the opening act symbolized the SCO's shared vision of unity and cooperation in tackling global challenges.

The concert contained a dazzling array of performances by musicians from SCO member states, each act a gem in the crown of cultural exchange.

Highlights included Pakistan's Raasta band enchanting the crowd with In Your Eyes, a soulful folk ballad exuding romance and tenderness;Russia's string quartet delivering a masterclass in classical elegance, performing excerpts from The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet; and Uzbekistan's Blossoming Uzbekistan, featuring vibrant vocals and a spirited dance that celebrated the nation's Silk Road heritage.