——Successful Debut in Vienna Golden Hall by Little Companion Art Troupe

　　To celebrate the establishment of Austria Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a group of 66 from the Little Companion Art Troupe of Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation led by Zou Wei, Vice President of Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, paid a visit to Austria and Germany for an 8-day cultural exchange from May 2 to May 9 via invitation from Chinese Embassy in Austria and Austria-China Relationship Association.

　　In the resplendent Golden Hall, the Art Troupe presented a concert, attracting hundreds of Austrian friends from all walks of life. Mr. Zhao Bin, Chinese ambassador in Austria attended the concert. The show received enthusiastic plause. The show was glamoured by chorus, folk music, piano, violin, calligraphy, paper-cut etc. featured with ethnic characteristics. The concert was unveiled with a set of Chinese songs brought by the young chorus singers: pure and fresh Jasmine, animated Water Hens, and modern works Singing for the World, all of which won cheering from the audience. When the children presented their A cappella in German, it struck great resonance in the hearts of both countries.

　　Also to be mentioned when Xin Ye, a child from the blind school, sang a song called Love is My Eyes with her chorus friends, the atmosphere was brought to a climax. Although the audience could not understand the Chinese lyrics, she managed to break the language barrier with graceful melody, sincere emotions and calling for love, which moved many people to tears. The concert was brought to an end in the world famous melody of Radetzky March, but many audiences stayed in the hall giving their warmest applauses which echoed with the singing voice in the Golden Hall for quite a long time. During the visit, the Art Troupe also had the honor to be received by President of Austrian Parliament Ms. Prammer and Chinese ambassador in Austria Mr. Zhao Bin. They also performed in the Austrian Parliament Building and the Chinese Embassy.

　　During the Austria-Germany visit, the Little Companion Art Troupe not only entered the top art palace in the world——Golden Hall of Vienna, but also disseminated the Chinese culture through art, forging a cross-cure bridge of friendship. In the future, the Art Troupe will continue its efforts in the unique form of“Children diplomacy”to promote Chinese culture, mutual understanding and everlasting friendship.