Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The prolonged, unending applause of the audience that resounded yesterday evening in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican has been the declaration of the immense success that this historical unprecedented event has had. It also showed the gratitude to the Holy Father for his heartfelt words and gestures of affection that revealed his joy at receiving these musicians, the Chinese people, and China itself in the Vatican. The Concert has also proven that music, art, and athletics, are all extraordinary means and instruments of dialogue, knowledge, exchange between different cultures and civilizations, as the Holy Father affirmed in his address, emphasizing this fact especially in terms of China and Europe, who both have great cultural, artistic, and musical traditions. The Pope’s special greeting to the people of that great nation, especially to those Catholics among its people that share in a special religious and spiritual bond with Peter and with his Successors, shook the walls of the Audience Hall with its enthusiastic response. The applause once again confirmed the universal value of music and the arts, as they go beyond individual cultures and become ambassadors of peace.
The Concert was performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra in conjunction with the Shang Hai Opera House Chorus in honor of the Holy Father Benedict XVI. In addition to the Requiem of Wolfgang A. Mozart and amidst the great enthusiasm and emotion of the audience that was visibly moved by the presence of the Holy Father, the Chinese musicians also played the famous piece entitled Mo Li Hua (Jasmine), a Chinese folk song that the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini inserted into his famous opera, Turandot.
A learned Chinese expert in the relations between China and the Vatican, in agreement with the Holy Father on the role of art as an instrument of dialogue, told Agenzia Fides: “I would like to point out two important aspects of this event that we have just witnessed. It is important because it is the first time that a Concert is given by Chinese musicians in the Vatican, especially in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI, which has been a significant gesture of friendship and respect for the Chinese people. It is important because it is the first time that the Vatican and the Pope receive such a large Chinese presence, including representation of diplomats, the press, students, simple immigrants, and religious. The Chinese people is practically present in the Vatican,” our source continued. “This is an event of great significance, a good start, and has served as a precedent that can be followed. Both China and the Vatican possess an immense wealth in the form of culture, music, and art. Thus, there is no lack of resources, no lack of good will, no lack of historical precedence such as Matteo Ricci, SJ, Giuseppe Castiglione, SJ. And now, with this great beginning, there is nothing more left to do, but to carry on this initiative.” Offering a concrete example, this Chinese expert mentioned the artistic works of the Vatican Museums, not far from the Audience Hall where the Concert was held, saying, “Who knows if in the near future, the Chinese will be able to admire Beijing or Shang Hai?”
Prior to the Concert, a official from the Press Service Department of the Chinese External Affairs Minister told journalists from the China Daily that it was an event of cultural exchange and encounter: “Music can be a bridge for encounter. We hope that the concert we will have great success.”
Highly qualified representatives of the Roman Curia and the Holy See, politicians, figures from the Italian world of culture, along with diplomats, journalists, Chinese immigrants and students, all flooded into the Paul VI Hall. In this atmosphere, it was proven that the language of art, music, and athletics can be used by all people to communicate and understand one another, without distinction of culture, age, race, ability, or language. The value of music, art, and athletics are peace, friendship, respect, however along with the talent, there is also a need for commitment, good will and courage, as the Holy Father Benedict XVI pointed out in his address. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2008; righe 52, parole 695)
