STORY: Algiers lights up with Sino-Algerian Symphony Ensemble
SHOOTING TIME: May 16, 2024
DATELINE: May 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:23
LOCATION: Algiers
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Algiers Opera
2. various of the opening ceremony
3. various of the opening concert
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): LOTFI SAIDI, Conductor of Algiers Opera Symphonic Orchestra

STORYLINE:

With a grand opening concert jointly presented by a local ensemble and a guest band from China's Suzhou city, the 13th International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music opened Thursday night here, showcasing a plethora of symphony orchestras and singers from 13 countries.

The opening night was a resounding success, leaving audiences eager for more performances and reinforcing the idea that music transcends boundaries and brings people together.

"Together, we presented a wonderful and diverse concert to the local audience in Algeria," said Chen Xieyang, the 85-year-old conductor and music director of the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

Recalling the first collaboration with the Algiers Opera Symphonic Orchestra, Chen said some challenges during rehearsals "were soon overcome with the joint efforts of all the performers, and the musicians from both sides quickly developed a tacit understanding."

Under the alternating direction of Chen and Algerian conductor Lotfi Saidi, musicians from both ensembles delighted a large audience with renowned pieces.

SOUNDBITE (Arabic): LOTFI SAIDI, Conductor of Algiers Opera Symphonic Orchestra
"At the opening concert of the 13th International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music, there was a remarkable collaboration between the Algiers Opera Symphonic Orchestra and China's Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, along with 40 members of the Polyphonic Choir of Algiers. The performance was sublime. I was honored to perform with the prominent Chinese Maestro Chen Xieyang, who is 85 years old. I feel fortunate to have been exposed to his extensive experience in music and his unique way of conducting the orchestra on stage, as I tried to benefit from his talent and expertise."

The music festival will run until May 22, promising a vibrant celebration of classical music. With China being this year's guest of honor, the event marked a significant milestone in cultural exchange between the two countries.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Algiers.
(XHTV)