Confucius Institute in Sofia Organized Chinese Song Competition “Rose Melodies” and 14th Celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day

At 1 pm on April 22, 2023, the 4th edition of the "Rose Melodies" Chinese Song Contest and the 14th "United Nations Chinese Language Day" celebration took place at the Confucius Institute in Sofia. The events were initiated by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (part of China’s Ministry of education) and the NPO “Chinese Plus”. The main organizer was the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the host was the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and the coorganizer was the Confucius Institute at Veliko Tarnovo University. Mr. Yan Jianqun, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, attended the event and delivered a speech. More than 280 guests, judges and people from all walks of life in Bulgaria attended the event.

This Chinese song competition was divided into two categories: solo and group performances. There were 14 solo contestants and 4 groups. The purpose of the event was to encourage students to learn and sing Chinese songs, to increase their interest in learning Chinese, and to show their achievements in language learning. At the same time, the celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day, aimed at inspiring people to love Chinese culture, strengthening the integration of different cultures, and promoting international communication and understanding. Doylina Mladenova (Дойлина Младенова) from No.18 Middle School “William Gladstone” in Sofia won the first prize in the solo category with her song “Small happiness”. The "Red Sorghum" group won the first prize in the group category with their performance "A girl named Jiuer". After the competition, the United Nations Chinese Language Day celebration continued with Chinese classical dance, folk songs, guzhen performance, dances from the Chinese minority Dai, dragon dance, and saxophone performance. The applause did not stop and the atmosphere was friendly.

This event stimulated Bulgarian learners' interest in learning Chinese in depth and promoted Chinese culture. The bridge of friendship between China and Bulgaria was built with music. Chinese and Bulgarian people sang together, heart to heart, creating unity, friendship, and a better “tomorrow”.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text: Pan Xixi

Photos: Li Mengxia

Editors: Liu Xiuming, Aksinia Koleva, Liu Tianchao

English Translation: Dima Pironkova

 

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Photo 1 Yan Jianqun, counsel-minister at the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, is delivering a speech

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Photo 2 Aksinia Koleva and Liu Xiuming, Bulgarian and Chinese directors of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, are giving a speech

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Photo 3  Members of the jury at the Chinese song competition

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Photo 4  Yan Jianqun, counsel-minister at the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, is presenting the winner of the competition with a certificate and souvenirs

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Photo 5  A group photo of the guests and the competitors

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Photo 6  A group photo of the guests and the people working at the Confucius Institute in Sofia