Salon and music strengthen Sino-New Zealand friendship

WELLINGTON — Featuring a concert by the Amber Quartet, the "Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon" in late April integrated Chinese tea culture with classical Western music in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.

Organized by the China Cultural Center in Auckland, the event opened with tea tasting, traditional tea preparation, tea appreciation, and storytelling about tea culture, creating an elegant, harmonious atmosphere. Participants were invited to make a personalized cup of tea using an ancient Chinese style in which tea powder is applied to "draw" pictures on the tea's foam.

The Amber Quartet was founded in 2005 and has become an internationally influential string quartet in China. During the event, Debussy's String Quartet and works featuring the ethnic cultures of both countries were performed. "They were truly amazing," Sharon Ann from the audience says, speaking of the performers' superb skills.

Chen Shijie, Chinese consul general in Auckland, says that the event uses music as a bridge and tea as a bond to convey the friendship of the Chinese people, helping deepen mutual understanding and relations between the people of China and New Zealand, and strengthening the public foundation of bilateral relations.

Bob Harvey, former mayor of Waitakere, says he values the historical ties and current cooperation with China. "This night is cemented with tea for harmony and peace. It is such a special moment."

Xinhua