On October 23rd, local time, the fourth Chinese Talent Performance of the Students in New South Wale and “2017 Chinese Language Spectacular” was held at the Sydney Town Hall. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Australia diplomatic relations. And as a part of the global celebration of the Confucius Institute Day, “Chinese Language Spectacular” took these opportunities to build the cultural bridges and educational ties, so as to provide a platform for students to experience the charm of Chinese language and culture.
The performance was co-organized by the Confucius Institute at UNSW and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW, attracting approximately 800 students from 36 local schools and universities and more than 2,000 viewers.
In response to this year’s theme, the traditional chorus of the Chinese Language Spectacular included several well-known Chinese and Australian songs. Students presented traditional Australian ballads including Click Go the Shears and Waltzing Matilda and Chinese pop classics such as Singing and Smiling, Friends and The Same Song. The performance concluded with students presenting a world classic song Auld Lang Syne, which symbolizes the everlasting friendship between China and Australia.
Pupils performing the chorus Little Dragon
Middle school students performing a chorus
Chorus by 800 students
There were more language shows this year, including cross-talks presented by middle school and university students and traditional Chinese stories performed by pupils, which fully represent students’ good mastery of Chinese language. Moreover, what amazed the audience was that many local student performers were able to skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments including guzheng, erhu, pipa and dagu, showing that Chinese culture was deeply rooted in their hearts and had yielded rich fruits.
Pupils performing instruments ensemble Chinese Drum: Sound of Seal Cutting
Niu Wenqi, Counsellor of the Education Office of the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney, noted in his speech that the “Chinese Language Spectacular” was conducive to enhancing the relationship between the two countries, especially that of young people. He said that he is really pleased to see more young Australians have interest in Chinese language and culture and he believed that China-Australia relations will certainly continue to flourish.
Niu Wenqi delivering a speech
Professor Les Field, Senior Vice-Chancellor of the UNSW, expressed in his speech that the Chinese language teaching in New South Wale State is making greater achievements year by year. More and more students have realized the significance of studying Chinese and they are well-prepared to enter a new era with the in-depth development of China-Australia relations.
Andrew Williamson, Principal of Carlingford West Public School noted in his speech that his school has always paid attention to the teaching of Chinese language and will continue to support activities related to Chinese language teaching and Chinese culture.
In 2014, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Confucius Institutes across the world, institutions including the Confucius Institute at UNSW and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW jointly organized the first Chinese Talent Performance of Students in New South Wale─ “Chinese Language Spectacular”, which achieved a great success and attracted much attention from all walks of life. Therefore, the “Chinese Language Spectacular” becomes a brand activity of the cooperation between the Confucius Institute at UNSW and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW. After four-year development, the number of schools and students participating in the activity has doubled, and the scale of the activity has also become larger. This event has been well received by all walks of life. (cited from Confucius Institute Headquarters, source: Confucius Institute at the University of New South Wales)
