"Splendor of Xinjiang" Wins over Sydney Audience

"Splendor of Xinjiang," performed by the Xinjiang Song and Dance Ensemble as part of a series of cultural exchange activities, was staged at Australia's Sydney State Theatre Friday night.

The splendid performance by Chinese ethnic artists won the hearts of some 2,000 Sydney audience members. CRI's Australia correspondent Chen Feng has more.

The evening gala featured famous folk songs and dances, set to the music of traditional Xinjiang instruments blended with modern cultural elements. It embodied the distinct, vivid Uygur artistic style and displayed an array of colorful ethnic costumes.

The Sydney audience warmly applauded the performance, saying that the show highlighted not only the cultural diversity of Xinjiang, but also the magnificent scenery of the region into a seamless collaboration of dances, songs and music.

"It's very interesting. It's first time that I see such a thing. Very nice and I'm very pleased with the show."

"Well, wonderful, very nice. We are really impressed. Congratulations."

"I thins it's really, really fascinating to see the diversity of culture in China. It's great, very entertaining."

"I think it's good, very interesting. There is culture, nice music and beautiful dance, everything is good."

The audience's praise is the best gift the 37 singers, dancers and musicians could receive. Most of them have come to Australia for the first time, though they have toured many countries of the world. Tuerxunnayi, a dancer, led a Uygur folk music performance called "12 Mukam," which has been identified by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage."

"I was a little bit nervous, but excited that we could publicize our unique culture and promote the understanding of foreigners of Xinjiang, and China's ethnic groups. We were glad that we could convey the message, through our performance, that Xinjiang is a harmonious society and all ethnic groups are living peacefully together."

Tuerxunnayi's wish was echoed by her friend, Dilimulati, a male dancer, also a Uygur.

"The true Xinjiang, where I was born, is very beautiful. All ethnic groups are getting on well with each other and we are working together to develop Xinjiang, not only for Xinjiang, but also for our motherland, China."

Xinjiang has been known as the Homeland of Songs and Dances, so performance of the Xinjiang Songs and Dances Ensemble tonight not only entertained the Sydney audience members, but also built a bridge of friendship and understanding between China and Australia.

Chen Feng, CRI news, Sydney.