On 22 August,Consul General Chen Shijie attended and delivered remarks at the Closing Awards Symphony Concert of the 2nd New Zealand International Music Competition.New Zealand Minister for Māori Development Hon.Tama Potaka,Member of Parliament Ms.Nancy Lu alongside nearly 1,000 guests and music enthusiasts from all walks of life,were present.

Consul General Chen stated that music is a language transcending national borders,and art a bridge connecting human emotions.Bringing together musicians from varied cultural backgrounds to compete and exchange ideas,this year’s event represents not only a contest of professional craftsmanship but also a dialogue and mutual learning between civilizations.Young people are the most vibrant force in China-New Zealand people-to-people and cultural exchanges.He expressed the hope that young musicians from both countries will take music as a medium to learn from each other and share their respective cultural stories through beautiful melodies.The Consulate-General will consistently build platforms to support friendly exchanges between the artistic circles,in particular in-depth interactions among young people of both nations,and forge steady and sustained progress in the China-New Zealand relations.

The concert featured an exciting blend of Chinese and Western repertoires,and was met with a joyous and enthusiastic atmosphere.Consul General Chen and Hon Minister Tama Potaka jointly presented awards to the prize-winning contestants.