Universal language of music

Foreign diplomats, foreigners working in China, and international students gathered in the concert hall of the China Conservatory in Beijing on Sunday, to enjoy traditional Chinese folk music.

The Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra played several pieces of classical Chinese folk music, including The Moon's Refection on the Fountain, Moonlight on the Spring River and Drunk Dancing Devarajas.

Professor Shen Cheng, a famous huqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) player from the conservatory, delivered a speech on the history of traditional Chinese musical instruments.

It's the third activity of the series Beijing Salon: Experience Beijing, arranged by Beijing This Month Publications and Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Center.

The program aims to promote Chinese culture and Beijing's charm among foreigners. The first two activities were Kunqu Opera and the Lantern Festival.

"Music has no boundaries and it can serve as the bridge among different nations. I hope our foreign friends enjoy the traditional Chinese folk music, which has a long history," says Zhang Jinlin, vice-director of the Beijing Municipal Government's Information Office.

The Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra, which consists of musicians from the China Conservatory, has visited more than 10 countries and regions including Australia, Poland and Hungary.