In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France and to further enhance friendship and cultural exchange between the youth of the two nations, the "2024 China-France 60th Anniversary - 'Musical Bridge' China-France Youth Music Salon" was successfully held at Shandong University's Hongjialou Campus on July 4th. The event, organized by Shandong University and the China-Europe Cultural Exchange Association, with support from the Jinan International Communication Center, featured performances by international pianist Ionel Streba, renowned violinist and conductor Jérôme Simon, curator, photographer, and artistic director Philippe Bouvet, as well as students from the School of Arts at Shandong University. The salon attracted French students studying Chinese, including Blaise Thierrée, Director of the Institut Confucius de Bretagne, and over twenty other students, alongside numerous young students from various countries.

The event saw a blend of elegant piano, melodious violin, tender solo singing, and the distinct sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the horsehead fiddle and pipa, performed by French artists and Shandong University students. This cross-cultural musical dialogue provided the audience with a feast of sight and sound, showcasing the universal appeal of music beyond national boundaries.

International pianist Ionel Streba captivated the audience with his exceptional piano skills, weaving evocative musical narratives that transcended borders and resonated with listeners. His performance exemplified not only the elegance of piano art but also the shared aspirations for a better life between the people of China and France. The students from Shandong University's School of Arts vividly demonstrated the diverse charm of Chinese traditional culture, collaborating with international artists to bridge linguistic and cultural divides through the universal language of music, expressing vitality, dreams, and messages of peace, friendship, and hope.

"Music carries the purest human emotions and the essence of culture. In this era of multicultural fusion, it serves as a bridge that connects people from different cultural backgrounds," said Philippe Bouvet in an interview.

The Salon concluded amid laughter and applause, leaving behind a lasting bond of friendship and cooperation between Chinese and French youth, a powerful catalyst for further cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations. Art transcends language, melodies connect hearts, and civilization transcends race, fostering mutual learning through inclusion and honest dialogue.

As China and France celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, this youth music salon stands as a symphony that transcends time and space, heralding a new chapter in cultural exchange. With ongoing cultural exchange activities, we believe that culture can not only serve as a medium for deepening the friendship and understanding between the youth of China and France but also inject new vitality into the cultural exchange between the two countries, becoming a driving force for world cultural diversity and human civilization's progress.

(Li Xiaotong; Yuan Yuhua; Kuang Qiongqiong; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Gaoyuan; Lei Youting; Li Jinyang; An Shuo; Dou Zhuoran; )