In 2026, the friendship-city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg reaches a major milestone: 40 years of collaboration and friendship.

To mark this anniversary, a series of cultural performances have been held in the two cities.

A highlight came on March 13, the BelleSon Shanghai Trio performed at the prestigious Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg.

The classical chamber ensemble — violinist Zhao Yanbo, cellist Wu Minzhe, and pianist Li Xiaoqian of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra — presented a captivating program that elegantly bridged Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Their performance juxtaposed European classical masterpieces with contemporary and folk-inspired Chinese works, offering the audience a unique musical experience celebrating the cultural diversity and shared heritage of both cities.

On March 14, the Madchenchor Hamburg (Hamburg Girls' Choir), a renowned choral school and ensemble, performed in Shanghai.

Their program combined German choral traditions with the timeless elegance of Tang poetry, creating a rich cultural tapestry that resonated deeply with the audience.

Over the past four decades, the Shanghai–Hamburg partnership has become one of the most significant city relationships between China and Germany.

Sources: Wanping Theater, WeChat account "汉堡联络处"