Watch: Steelpan meets the Great Wall in historic first
In an historic first, Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic steelpan was played by musician Joshua Regrello on the Great Wall of China as part of the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago.
Regrello played a rendition of the traditional Chinese folk song ‘Jasmine Flower’ and Mical Teja’s 2024 Road March hit ‘DNA’.
The performance was arranged via the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Beijing and other stakeholders.
President Xi Jinping, President of T&T Christine Kangaloo exchange greetings
President Xi Jinping exchanged greetings with President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo on the commemoration of this historic milestone.
President Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Trinidad and Tobago relations, and stands ready to work with President Kangaloo to use the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and take the China-Trinidad and Tobago comprehensive cooperative partnership to a higher level.
Kangaloo expressed confidence that bilateral relations in the new era will continue to bring benefits to the two countries.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also exchanged congratulations with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Thursday, noting that Trinidad and Tobago is a good friend and partner of China in the Caribbean.
Premier Li said that the cooperation between the two countries has been fruitful since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago. China attaches importance to its relations with Trinidad and Tobago and is ready to continuously expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago.
Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, National Steel Symphony Orchestra blend musical performances at NAPA
In Trinidad and Tobago, a musical medley of performances was arranged with the collaboration of the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts for a concert featuring the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and the National Steel Symphone Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago.
The steelpan, the only new musical instrument to be invented in the 20th century blended harmoniously with traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the suona, erhu, guzheng and pipa, creating a musical fusion that delighted patrons.
Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Fang Qiu issued well wishes on the observance of this anniversary and wished for a strengthening of friendly ties between both nations.
On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago also hosted a reception for dignitaries and specially invited guests to observe this special event, featuring intimate performances by members of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.
