On October 9, Acting Consul General Cheng Hongbo attended the Toronto performance of “Resonance of Dunhuang” by the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble. Mr. Billy Wong, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (HKETO), representatives from all three levels of Canadian government, and guests from various sectors of the local community attended the event.

In his speech, Acting Consul General Cheng remarked that Dunhuang is a cultural treasure of the ancient Silk Road and a model of exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. He noted that “Resonance of Dunhuang” brings the timeless beauty and spirit of ancient culture back to life, vividly showcasing the profound heritage of Chinese culture. The performance also highlights Hong Kong’s vitality as a hub connecting Eastern and Western cultures under the framework of “One Country, Two Systems”. As China and Canada mark the 56th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the concert built a bridge for dialogue among civilizations through music, offering local audiences a unique cultural experience and further promoting people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between Hong Kong and Canada, as well as between China and Canada.

The concert marked the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s North American debut, following an invitation from the Embassy of China in Canada. Under the theme “Resonance of Dunhuang,” the concert transformed the architectural, sculptural and painting arts of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a contemporary musical experience. It offered Canadian audiences a fresh perspective on Dunhuang and a new way to discover the richness of Chinese culture.