Thai princess Chulabhorn Mahidol hosted a concert in Beijing Sunday titled "Two lands, One heart," with the princess herself playing the Chinese zither at the concert.
Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Buhe, Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Qian Zhengying, and Culture Minster Sun Jiazheng were at the concert and met with the princess prior to the performance.
The concert included traditional music and dances of Thailand, and the princess joined Chinese artists to perform well-known masterpieces in zither. Chinese and Thai artists also performed a chorus with lyrics written by the princess.
Princess Mahidol is the youngest daughter of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She is a well-known scientist in Thailand specializing in chemistry and is passionate about music. During her visit to China in 2000, she discovered the beautiful sound of Chinese zither and began to learn to play the instrument.
Princess Mahidol has hosted similar concerts in Bangkok, Ban Chiang Mai and Phuket of Thailand to celebrate the birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit.
At the concerts she gave her first public performance of Chinese zither playing, joining with 50 Chinese artists led by the Chinese Vice-Minister of Culture Zhou Heping.
The princess is here at the invitation of China's Ministry of Culture. She will host similar concerts in Xi'an and Shanghai during her current tour of China.
(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2002)
