Chinese, Egyptian folk musicians wow audiences under pyramids

"I am interested in Chinese culture, especially classical music. It was a great surprise for me to know that this concert will be held in Egypt," Fatma Essam, a housewife from Cairo, told Xinhua.

"What impressed me the most was the joint performance of musicians from the two countries, the music was wonderfully played, conveying to us an important message that music is a common language between all peoples and cultures," she said, adding she took notice of very similar musical instruments during the performance.

"I hope that similar concerts will be organized in the future. Chinese music is beautiful and rich in authentic melodies, and it is a way to bring us closer to Chinese culture and the Chinese people," she said.

As the spectacular concert went on, four Egyptian girls brought to audience a song that they had sung at this year's China Central Television Spring Festival Gala staged in Beijing, to the accompaniment of the Chinese folk music, which won prolonged applause from the spectators.

Liu Sirui, a Chinese college student studying in Cairo attended the concert with her Egyptian and Chinese friends. She told Xinhua that the show is joyful and "the harmony is super."

"Today's show illustrates the convergence of the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations through music. The friendly atmosphere reflects the solid friendship between peoples from both countries throughout history," she added.