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DUT and China Celebrate The Chinese Moon Festival

DUT and China Celebrate The Chinese Moon Festival

The Durban University of Technology Confucius Institute (DUT CI) in collaboration with the Consulate General of China in Durban, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chinese Musicians Association, Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, and China Literature and Art Foundation, co-hosted the annual Chinese Moon Festival and Mid-Autumn Guangdong Music Concert at a gala event at the Sibaya iZulu Theatre on Monday, 10 September 2018.

The moon festival was attended by the Acting Consulate General of the Chinese Consulate in Durban, Madam Ding Qiao, the Honourable MEC Sihle Zikalala, Consul General of the US Consulate in Durban, Sherry Zalika Sykes, alongside with the eTheklwini Municipality’s International Relations and Governance Head, Mr Eric Apelgren, the DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo, The Chinese KwaZulu-Natal Chinese Community and the Co- Dean of the DUT CI, Mr Frank Lin WU, to name but a few.

The Confucius Institute celebrated the traditional Chinese Moon Festival with Durban’s multi-cultural and multi-lingual communities. Professionally trained artistic troupes gave performances and presentations on Guang Dong music, dance, drama and martial arts, together with local African cultural groups.

The Chinese Moon Festival, is the second most important festival in China. Also known as the Zhongqiu Festival, the official name in the Chinese pinyin system, is an official harvest festival celebrated by the Chinese since the beginning of their historical past.

Addressing guests at the gala event, Madam Ding Qiao, said that 2018 is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding that during the passing 20 years, China-South Africa relations had developed rapidly.

“The ties between two countries strongly promote the economic and social development, and also promoted the mutual understanding and co-operation between people from both sides,” she said.

Further adding to her sentiments, Prof Moyo stated that it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the traditional Chinese Festival and to cheer for the long-existing friendship of the two countries through various cultural and artistic exchanges programmes with DUT CI’s efforts.

The event saw wonderful performances brought by the Guangdong Musical Art Troupe, the only professional art group specialising in Cantonese music and Cantonese folk art performance. It is also a conservation organisation of Cantonese song and opera which have been recognised as intangible cultural heritage in China. The art troupe impressed the audiences with songs such as Lotus Blossoms on the Water, percussion which showed the great beauty of traditional Chinese instruments such as Guzheng, Pipa, Yangqin and Liuqin, and the African Drum which brought a refreshing visual and auditory enjoyment to the local audience.

“We hope that by showcasing this mysterious and traditional music from the Far East and celebrating one of the most ancient festivals in Chinese calendar, it will help enhance mutual understanding and promote friendship among people from both countries,” said by Frank WU, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at DUT.

The local Durban’s multi-cultural and multi-lingual communities thoroughly enjoyed the cultural offerings as well as the wonderful prizes of air tickets to China, which added to the excitement of the night and the festival itself.

Pictured: The performers at the Chinese Moon Festival.

Waheeda Peters/DUT CI

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