BUCHAREST -- The air inside Bucharest's Athenaeum resonated with the silvery tones of silk strings and rich percussion on Tuesday evening, as traditional Chinese melodies met Romanian symphonic harmonies in a concert celebrating cultural dialogue and the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Nearly 800 audience members filled the concert hall to enjoy a "Happy Chinese New Year" performance jointly presented by the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of Dinu Lipatti National College of Arts in Bucharest.
Through a rich blend, the concert offered audiences a glimpse of springtime landscapes in southern China while welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Ruxandra Filip, a local teacher who also attended last year's "Happy Chinese New Year" concert, said she was once again deeply moved. "The music was energizing ... with a wonderful vibration," she said.
Another audience member, Serbanica Mana-Milena, described the experience as immersive. "Through music, you can truly immerse yourself in Chinese culture and feel the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year," she said.
Sun Peng, music director and principal conductor of the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra, said that through the "Happy Chinese New Year" project, "we hope to share the spirit of the festival and our best wishes with European audiences."
Chinese Ambassador to Romania Chen Feng highlighted the significance of the event, noting that Spring Festival symbolizes family reunion, hope, and human connection which are shared across cultures.
Romanian State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ana Tinca said that the musicians' shared presence on stage created "a meaningful cultural encounter and a beautiful way to welcome the Year of the Horse."
