"The Year of Italy in China", a major cultural exchange program
jointly organized by China and Italy, opened in Beijing on Thursday
with a concert featuring the works of Italian opera's great
composers.
"In the unforgettable melody that best represents the cultural
identity of Italy, the Chinese people will have a better
understanding of Italy and its people," said Chinese Cultural
Minister Sun
Jiazheng at a joint press conference before the concert.
Sun said the proposal of the Year of Italy in China was jointly
raised and approved by the two sides during Italian President
Ciampi's visit to China in 2004.
This major cultural event will feature a wide range of
activities include film festivals, dance performances, exhibitions,
forums on environmental protection, and education and research, and
joint science and technology programs.
"The cultural event is designed to open a window for the Chinese
people into the lives and thoughts of Italian people, thereby
promoting bilateral ties and mutual understanding," Italian
Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities, Rocco Buttiglione,
said.
He said the cultural event will be celebrated in many Chinese
cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Hong Kong,
Shenyang, Harbin, Ningbo, and Suzhou.
From January 14 to 23, a total of 86 paintings, sculptures and
tapestries of Italian Renaissance masters including Leonardo da
Vinci, Raphael and Titian, will be on display at the Italian
Renaissance Art Exhibition at the Millennium World Art Museum in
Beijing.
Italy is the second European country, after France, to hold such
a cultural year in China.
Sun added that China will simultaneously hold a series of events
in Italy. This year's Venice Carnival, for example, will include a
major focus on China.
(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2006)
