Suzhou Chinese orchestra to stage Chinese folk music in Portland

According to the association, Lincoln Hall, which can accommodate 465, sold out for the concert many weeks ago.

The concert is part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Portland- Suzhou Sister City Association and relationship.

"This celebration is more important than ever to celebrate the many years of friendship and cooperation between our two cities, Portland and Suzhou, which help make our cities better places to live, work and play." Fraser said.

Suzhou is a charming city boasting both a long history and modern civilization in China. Recognized as a "paradise on earth", the 2,500- year old city is renowned for its classic picturesque gardens with bridges over flowing streams and tranquility.

Meanwhile, Suzhou is also a dynamic modern metropolis with China's second largest industrial output value and seventh largest aggregate economy.

The two cities forged sister-city ties in 1988 with the initial purpose of promoting cultural exchange. The friendship and ties between the two cities had deepened and strengthened. Portland offered to help develop a sewage system in the city famed for its canals, pagodas and meticulously designed gardens. Artisans from Suzhou built the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland's Old Town, opening a window into classical China.