The China Broadcasting Performing-Arts Troupe started its performance tour today around six Canadian cities from February 14 through February 28.

The 24-member performing troupe will tour Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Edmonton and present performances in each city. The performing artists lineup includes the famous Chinese singer Wang Jieshi and the folk instrumental players Jiang Kemei and Zhang Gaoxiang.

This performance tour is designed to greet local Chinese residents and promote Chinese culture and achievements since the reform and opening-up policy was implemented 30 years ago.

The highlights of the performance will offer Canadian people and Chinese alike classic folk music, song, dance, acrobatics and magic tricks, all well selected and prepared by the troupe members. Zhang Xi, the vice director of the troupe, leads the performers.

To enhance cultural exchanges between China and Canada, the troupe has also prepared an outstanding performance for the western mainstream audience, which will be presented at a Canadian top theater, the National Arts Center. An Ottawa symphony orchestra will collaborate with the troupe to perform a Chinese classical Yao Dance while Chinese performers will play the Canadian folk song: Red River Valley.?

(China.org.cn by Zhang Rui February 14, 2008)