The opening party of the “Cruise Festival – Special Show on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Sino-French Diplomatic Relations” was held at Villa Basset, at the headquarters of the French Consulate General in Shanghai, on April 9.
This year is an important milestone as China and France celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, in addition to designating the year as the Sino-French Year of Culture and Tourism.
The Crozat Festival was founded in 2006 as China's premier foreign arts festival and one of the most prominent cultural events outside France. The French Consul General in Shanghai, Joan Valado, and Jin Li, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Department of Culture and Tourism, attended and delivered speeches. The event witnessed a captivating French concert by renowned cellist Zhou Yiping and pianist Zheng Hui.
As part of the celebration, the festival will be held from April to December. During this period, more than 400 events will be organized in 31 cities.
Shanghai will host an impressive array of more than 100 cultural and artistic events. Highlights include performances by the Ballet de L'Opéra National de Bordeaux. The esteemed French comedian will present the classic play “Les Fourberies de Scapin.” Audiences can also enjoy the first tour of L'Orchestre de l'Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles, which presents court music of the era of Louis XIV.
Performance by the National Opera Ballet of Bordeaux.
The collaboration between the West Bund Museum and the Center National des Arts et Cultures Georges Pompidou promises to present two outstanding exhibitions over the next five years.
Meanwhile, the Power Station for the Arts will host two solo exhibitions by two prominent French women: “Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Statement” and the first major exhibition in China by contemporary artist Annette Messager titled “Désir Désordre.” Icicle Space will present four solo exhibitions by contemporary French artists.
A piece from the exhibition “Annette Messenger – Désir Désordre”.
The prestigious Musée Cernuschi collection will be on display at the Bund One Museum of Art, presenting an exhibition of contemporary Chinese painting featuring renowned masters including Zao Wou-Ki and Chang Yu.
In the field of crafts and design, the exhibitions held by the Colbert Commission and its members realize the “Conversation de savoir-faire franco-chinois” (Dialogue between French and Chinese crafts). The “Cartier, le pouvoir de la magie” exhibition at the Shanghai Oriental Museum will showcase exquisite treasures, while the “Résonances Art Deco: Paris Chic – Shanghai Moderne” (Dual City) exhibition by Le Mobilier National (French National Furniture Museum) at the Bund will showcase 33. It will highlight the decorative arts.
The “Cartier, Power of Enchantment” exhibition at the Shanghai Oriental Museum displays exquisite treasures.
It is worth noting that the exclusive musical clip “Belle”, which was shown at this year's Spring Festival gala, will once again ignite enthusiasm for French musicals. In addition, three classic works – “Don Juan”, “Notre Dame de Paris” and “Mozart's Opera Rock” – will tour China.
A scene from the French musical Mozart's Opera Rock.
