Warm welcome

The joint performance on stage and the exchange of gifts offstage fostered profound friendships between the two groups of children. The young French choristers pledged to one day visit Hainan and immerse themselves in the distinctive culture of the province's ethnic groups.

Five months later, the Parisian children's choir fulfilled this promise.

Three performances were held from Oct 24 to 27 as the first part of the Sino-French Children's Chorus Friendship Bridge event. One was at the Hainan Center for the Performing Arts in Haikou, another in the Hainan University Lecture Hall in Haikou, and the third at the Baoshan Bamboo House in Maona village, Wuzhishan.

During the performances, many classic songs were featured.

"The highlight of the show was when the French children's choir sang The Moon Represents My Heart in Chinese, which elevated the atmosphere to a climax," said an audience member from Haikou surnamed Wang, who attended the first show.

"My family and I couldn't help but join in singing along from the audience."

Elisabeth Trigo, founder, conductor and artistic director of Le Choeur des Polysons, said after the first meeting in Paris in May, she began eagerly looking forward to visiting Hainan.

"I never expected that this dream would come true so quickly. Music has built a bridge of friendship between China and France. The exchange experience is truly unforgettable," Trigo said.

She said the third performance held at the Baoshan Bamboo House was a highlight, and described the unconventional outdoor atmosphere and the joyous bonfire party that followed the show as truly remarkable.