On February 3rd, the 2025 Spring Festival Concert, co-hosted by the Hong Kong String Orchestra, the Consulate-General of China in Sydney, the Parliament of New South Wales, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, was held at the Theatreette of the New South Wales Parliament. Over 160 guests from various sectors gathered to enjoy this cultural celebration.

Wang Yu, the Consul-General of China in Sydney, highlighted the significance of the Hong Kong String Orchestra's performance, which greatly promoted cultural exchanges between China and Australia. He emphasized that cultural exchanges are a vital link in strengthening and deepening China-Australia relations. He noted that the relationship between the two countries spans several fields, including trade, education, and science, and is mutually beneficial and complementary. The diverse cooperation models continue to improve the lives of people in both countries.

Ben Franklin, President of the New South Wales Legislative Council, commended the development of China and Australia in various fields and expressed his hope that the two countries would continue learning from each other and further promote long-term bilateral cooperation.

During the performance, the musicians of the Hong Kong String Orchestra delighted the audience with a selection of well-known Chinese Spring Festival music. Yao Jue, a leading violinist from China's Hong Kong region and recipient of the Silver Bauhinia Star, joined other members of the orchestra to deliver remarkable performances across different musical styles. Their performance of traditional Yunnan melodies was especially captivating. The orchestra also engaged the audience in interactive moments, raising the energy of the event to a crescendo, with waves of applause and cheers throughout.

Attendees at the concert included representatives from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New South Wales Parliament, local municipalities, the consular corps in Sydney, and overseas Chinese community members. (Reporter/Tong Lin Intern Li Peiran Correspondent/Wang Xin)

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Tong Lin