On May 21, 2024, the day following the Grain Buds(The eighth solar term in the traditional Chinese 24 solar terms), the Opening Concert of the International Art Festival of Magic Finger, initiated by the Liu Jian Art Education Group and supported by the French Consulate General in Shanghai, was successfully held. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mr. Joan Valadou, Consul General of France in Shanghai, and Mr. Liu Jian, Chairman of the Chinese side of the festival, the concert officially commenced. The event quickly gained momentum as artists from both China and France took the stage, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Image: Mr. Joan Valadou, Consul General of France in Shanghai, delivered a speech.

Image: Founder of the Liu Jian Art Education Group, delivered a speech.

Image: The Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Opening Concert of Magic Finger International Art Festival

The most memorable highlight of the concert was the opening performance by Tang Juechen, a young pianist from China Magic Finger. He began with a well-known Chinese piano piece——the "Jasmine Flower Fantasia," whose delicate and soft melodies set the tone for the evening. Following this, Tang captivated the audience with Liszt’s iconic "La Campanella." Shortly after, French violinist Boris Borgolotto joined Tang on stage to perform "Meditation from Thaïs." The French pianist Gaspard Dehaene then presented two famous works by Debussy: "Golliwog's Cakewalk" and "Clair de Lune," capturing the playful, lively spirit of childhood and the ethereal beauty of moonlight, showcasing the diverse charm of French music. The concert concluded with a duet by Dr. Li Yi, a soprano based in France, and Gaspard, delivering several powerful and emotive songs. Dr. Li’s performance ranged from deeply moving to vigorously uplifting, leaving the audience enraptured.

Image: Tang Juechen, a Young pianist from China Magic Finger  

Image: Boris Borgolotto and China Magic Finger Young Pianist, Tang Juechen

Image: French pianist Gaspard Dehaene

Image: Dr. Li Yi, a Chinese soprano residing in France, with French pianist Gaspard Dehaene

In 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the "Festival Croisements" receives significant attention from both nations. Officially established in 2006, this ongoing cultural exchange program aims to foster collaboration between Chinese and French artists and institutions. As China’s first foreign Art festival and the foremost French Art festival outside France, it steadfastly upholds its mission of transcending national boundaries, fostering dynamic exchanges between French and Chinese artistic domains. With over 15 million attendees across multiple editions, it serves as a bridge of friendship between the two nations. The opening concert of the Magic Finger International Art Festival, along with related music concerts and masterclasses at universities in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu, are part of the "Festival Croisements 2024 — Special Presentation for the 60th Anniversary of Sino-French Diplomatic Relations."

The French Consul's residence in Shanghai, located at 1431 Huaihai Middle Road, is an elegant French villa surrounded by lush greenery. Despite its central location in the bustling city, it retains a serene and refined atmosphere. Originally known as the Basset Villa, built in 1921, this historic residence once served as the home of French banker Lucien Basset and his family. In 1980, it became the official residence of the French Consul in Shanghai.

The opening concert was graced by the pantheon of celebrities, such as renowned Chinese host Xie Na, world badminton champion Gong Weijie, and French Consul in Shanghai, Mr. Joan Valadou. Although General François Kessler, Honorary Advisor to the festival and former Chairman of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, could not attend in person, he extended his heartfelt wishes to the festival via a video message from France.

Image: Ms. Xie Na, a renowned Chinese host (far left)

Mr. Liu Jian, Founder of Liu Jian Art Education Group (second from the left)

Mr. Joan Valadou, French Consul in Shanghai (second from the right)

Mr. Gong Weijie, World Badminton Champion (far right)

Image: General François Kessler, former Chairman of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, sends his video message of best wishes.

Finally, special thanks to Europe’s largest department store giant——the 130-year-old “Galeries Lafayette”, globally renowned cosmetics brand “Lancôme”, the French cognac house “Rémy Martin CLUB”, and the “Shanghai Kempinski Hotel”for their strong support of the opening concert of the Magic Finger International Art Festival!

About “Festival Croisements”

 "Festival Croisements" is a regular cultural exchange event between China and France. Officially established in 2006, this ongoing cultural exchange program aims to foster collaboration between Chinese and French artists and institutions. As China’s first foreign Art festival and the foremost French Art festival outside France, it steadfastly upholds its mission of transcending national boundaries, fostering dynamic exchanges between French and Chinese artistic domains. With over 15 million attendees across multiple editions, it serves as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

About “ International Art Festival of Magic Finger”

To promote cultural and artistic reciprocity between China and France and further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two nations, the "Special Presentation for the 60th Anniversary of Sino-French Diplomatic Relations — International Art Festival of Magic Finger " has been launched. The festival is organized primarily by the Liu Jian Art Education Group, with General François Kessler, former President of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, serving as the honorary advisor.

The festival will feature concerts and masterclasses at universities in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu, as well as in Paris and Lyon, France, with 2-3 additional concerts planned there. Each performance will showcase top artists from both China and France, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the Sino-French Cultural and Tourism Year.