Francostar, a French singing contest, a major event in China, is designed for Chinese students learning French. This year, about 60 schools and 300 students, from all over China, took part in the contest.

During the semi finals (organized on April 22nd in Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan and on May 13th in Guangzhou) the jury selected eight finalists. On May 27th in Beijing, they will compete to win one of four trips to the La Rochelle Francofolies International Music Festival.

For the finale of this sixth edition of the French singing contest, the French Embassy in China, the French Cultural Centre and the South Gate Space in Dashanzi organize a week end dedicated to French music, "Sing French!"

Everything will begin at 9pm on May 26th at South Gate Space with a concert of Maidi Roth, a rising figure of the French rock scene and president of the Francostar jury.

A musical kaleidoscope will start at 3:30 pm on May 27th, with the screening of music videos and documentaries about all the greatest French singers and musicians, from Alain Souchon to Noir Désir, from M to Carla Bruni, and everyone in between (free entrance).

The "Sing French!" week end will reach its zenith at 4:30pm when the finals of Francostar begin.

After the results, at 8pm, Maidi Roth will come back for a second concert.

Maidi Roth

Singer / songwriter, Maidi Roth has prepared for us two special acoustic concerts. The intimacy of the South Gate Space will fit perfectly with her strong and sensitive pop-rock music.

Mainly influenced by Sheryl Crow, P.J. Harvey and Bruce Springsteen, Maidi Roth will introduce to us "vertical horizon", her second album, in which she freely expresses her emotions, her passions but also her worries.

More info: www.maidiroth.com

(China.org.cn May 25, 2006)