Chongqing - The "Chongqing Meets Jeollanam-do" traditional song and dance exchange performance was recently successfully held at Ganghua Theater in Chongqing's Dadukou District. 

This grand cultural event was jointly presented by the Jeollanam-do delegation from South Korea and the Chongqing Traditional Chinese Orchestra during their participation in the Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2024. This performance marked the first collaboration between the two groups. It was a perfect opportunity to strengthen the friendship between China and South Korea while promoting cultural exchange through traditional music and dance.

The "Chongqing Meets Jeollanam-do" traditional song and dance exchange performance was held on May 23. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

Established in 1986, the Chongqing Traditional Chinese Orchestra is a professional art troupe dedicated to promoting and disseminating local culture. The orchestra has created numerous art pieces rich in regional characteristics. In this performance, the Chongqing Traditional Chinese Orchestra delivered brilliant renditions of classic pieces such as Ta Shan He (Journey Through Rivers and Mountains), Xia Shan (Descending from the Mountain), Cai Yun Zhui Yue (Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon), and Yaozu Wuqu (Yao Dance Music). Each piece vividly showcased the profound heritage and unique charm of ethnic music, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

Similarly established in 1986, the Jeollanam-do Provincial Gugak Orchestra comprises more than 140 artists. This high-level traditional performing arts troupe is devoted to inheriting and promoting the traditional songs, dances, and music of Jeollanam-do. In this performance, they highlighted the unique charm of Korean traditional dance with elegant performances of the Apricot Flower Dance (English translation) and Dharma Drum Dance (English translation). Additionally, the deputy director of the Gugak Orchestra prepared an interactive Samul nori percussion session, allowing the audience to personally experience the rhythm and melody of traditional Korean music, further bridging the cultural gap between China and South Korea.

The traditional Korean music and dance performance. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

The "Chongqing Meets Jeollanam-do" performance aims to build a cultural exchange and cooperation platform, showcasing Chongqing's unique city image. Through this traditional song and dance exchange, Chongqing citizens enjoyed a magnificent cultural feast while deepening their understanding of Korean traditional culture and art. This event significantly promoted deeper cultural and artistic exchanges and closer cooperation between China and South Korea.

The successful hosting of this performance not only added a vibrant chapter to the friendship between Chongqing and Jeollanam-do but also paved the way for more possibilities in future cultural and artistic exchanges between China and South Korea.