On the evening of July 29, 188 choirs from 43 countries and regions gathered in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and proclaimed the opening of the 12th China International Chorus Festival (IFCM) with their singing. Dong Wei, vice minister of the Ministry of Culture, along with Michael J. Anderson, president of the International Federation for Choral Music, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches..

Dong Wei stated that CICF was the largest and finest international choral art festival that had been held in China. During the 22 years of its development, over 800 Chinese and foreign groups have directly joined in this event, including over 40,000 people from more than 100 countries and regions. It has become one with Chinese characteristics and important international influence, acting as a bridge connecting Chinese and foreign cultures.

Michael J. Anderson, president of IFCM, commented that CICF set a good example for international cultural exchange. He also said that CICF has become more inclusive and has maintained good relationships with more and more choirs and conductors in the world, since its cooperation with IFCM.

At the opening ceremony, high level choirs from China, Lithuania, Mexico, USA and many other countries performed to the 6,000 people in the audience. Diversified, national and mashup styles were highlights of the night

The 12th China International Chorus Festival and the Youth Choral Education Meeting of the IFCM was jointly hosted by Bureau for External Cultural Relations of Ministry of Culture, China Arts and Entertainment Group, Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, the Government of Xicheng District of Beijing city, IFCM and CICF. New popular singer Momo Wu served as the image ambassador.

CICF, founded in 1992 and approved by the State Council, is the only national and international choral art event in China. This year, it has 122 activities scheduled, including the opening and closing ceremony, chorus seminar, choral education meeting and so on.

From July 29 to August 4, 188 choirs will make an appearance, participating in the contest, performances and special concerts.

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