By Linny Folau

A beautiful traditional Chinese music concert for the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho's 90th birthday, was performed by China’s National Traditional Orchestra on Saturday night, 28 May at Loumaile Lodge.

Organized by the China Federation of Literacy and Art Circles, the Chinese Embassy in Nuku'alofa and Tonga-China Friendship Association, the concert was held under a theme, 'Bridging over the Pacific'.

The concert introduced traditional Chinese classical instruments to a Tongan audience, which included members of the Royal Family.

The accomplished artists played gentle and lively numbers, including masterly solo performances. A Quintet for Chinese String instruments was originally composed for Rawap, a five or seven stringed plucked lute popular in West China Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region.

A Guzheng Solo, with music composed in 1956,was inspired by the working staff "in their brave fights against typhoons at Shanghai’s harbours."

A Sheng Solo was performed with a traditional Chinese wind instrument, with vertical pipes in different heigths, one of the oldest Chinese instruments.

Happy Birthday

Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Huang Huaguang in wishing the Queen Mother a happy birthday said although China and Tonga are far away from each other, he believed with the support of the Tongan Royal Family, efforts of governments from both sides with the participants of our people, "we will embrace more achievements in the future."

He said the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China National Traditional Orchestra travelled thousands of miles cross the Pacific to bring the excellent performance.

"China and Tonga enjoy a long history and rich culture. We hare a common character, that is traditional music keeps a key position in our culture and daily life. I think the visit of the orchestra in this happy occasion demonstrates the sharing specialty of our cultures and is an important contribution to our cultural exchanges."

He said the China National Traditional Orchestra is the leading orchestra in China and widely known.

"Its overseas tours cover all five continents and it is applauded by audience around the world. I believe the Chinese artists today would show the beauty of Chinese traditional music and bring enjoyment for all of us, he said.

Samiu Vaipulu, the Vice-Chairman of the Tonga-Çhina Friendship Association, along with the Minister for Public Enterprises and Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Poasi Tei thanked the performers and commended the ties between Tonga and China.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala also attended, among other guests.