SCO Member States Arts Festival opens in Beijing

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization art festival has opened in Beijing. The festival, hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened together with a folk music concert at Beijing Poly Theater to celebrate the organization's upcoming summit in Qingdao.

A 70-minute concert opened the SCO Member States Arts Festival with a familiar and famed Chinese music piece "Jubilant" played by musicians from member states.

As part of the concert, state-level orchestras from China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan played representative tracks of their own nations.

The concert attracted nearly 1,000 diplomats and representatives from member states, observer states, dialogue partners, and the SCO organization secretary.

Musicians from Kyrgyzstan who perform at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing take a group photo. [Photo: China Plus]

Dmitri Enko, an artist from Russia, says that China and Russia share cultural similarity in music, despite of the diversity of ethnic characteristics.

"I think musical instruments of the two countries have certain features in common. The features of Chinese ancient instruments, like the wind pipe, are similar to Russian instruments like the bayan and accordion. In terms of musical instruments, we can find that China and Russia have very close ties in culture and the arts."

The festival has enabled different countries to display their cultures, as well as strengthen their traditional friendships and improve people-to-people exchanges.

Li Jinsheng, general manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group, explains.

"The festival plays an indispensable role for the all-round communication among member states. Each member comes with a unique cultural background, as well as cultural heritage. Cultural exchanges help to enhance mutual understanding among us."

Luo Shugang, the Chinese Culture and Tourism Minister, says that the art festival is an important platform to display excellent cultures of member states, as well as to enhance friendships and exchanges among people in these countries.

"We hope that the festival can build a bridge deep into hearts, to bind people all around the world and make constant contributions for member states. We will enhance the cooperation and understanding in culture and tourism with SCO members, observer states and dialogue partners in accordance with the principle of equality and mutual respect."

The festival runs until Friday, including art exchange activities and a photography exhibition.