Conductor Xu Zhong leads the Shanghai Opera House symphony orchestra and chorus in a performance at the 2024 Qingpu "The Night of NECC" Music Festival and the "100-Day to CIIE" Music Event on July 27, 2024. [Photo by Luo Bin/International Services Shanghai]

As the countdown to the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) reached the 100-day mark, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, in collaboration with Shanghai Media Group (SMG), hosted the 2024 Qingpu "The Night of NECC" Music Festival and the "100-Day to CIIE" Music Event on July 27 and 28.

With the theme "China, Resonating with the World", this outdoor musical extravaganza aimed to enhance the CIIE's role as a platform for cultural exchange.

The festival spanned two enchanting evenings of performances. On July 27, esteemed conductor Xu Zhong led the Shanghai Opera House symphony orchestra and chorus in a showcase of selections from nine iconic operas. The repertoire featured masterpieces by renowned composers such as Georges Bizet, Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Wilhelm Richard Wagner, offering a glimpse into the diverse styles.

The following evening, July 28, conductor Zhang Yi directed the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra in a dynamic program of global classics. This performance encompassed a rich array of musical genres, including concertos, dances, fantasies, and overtures, showcasing the universal appeal of music.

Featuring compositions from China, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia, the festival underscored the boundless potential of music as a unifying force between cultures.

Through the transcendent language of music, the festival aimed to cultivate deeper understanding and communication among diverse cultures, providing a platform for nurturing international friendships and advancing global cooperation.

As this year marks the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, France was not only highlighted at the music festival, but it will also act as the guest country of honor for the upcoming CIIE. The concert on July 28 featured Chinese artists performing French compositions and vice versa, symbolizing a profound dialogue between China, France, and the global community.