The orchestra from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music performs in Hungary. [Photo/WeChat account: zjcm_cn]

The Wenying Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Orchestra from Zhejiang Conservatory of Music – located in Hangzhou city in East China's Zhejiang province – recently toured Romania, Latvia and Hungary.

It was all part of the 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" cultural exchange program, organized by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The orchestra reportedly captivated audiences with three exclusive concerts featuring traditional Chinese melodies.

The tour began on Jan 20 at the Athenaeum Theater in Bucharest, Romania, followed by performances on Jan 23 in Riga, Latvia and on Jan 24 at the Chinese Embassy in Hungary.

Using traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, dizi and yangqin, the musicians performed both Chinese and international classics, winning enthusiastic applause.

A Romanian audience member described the experience as "a night full of drama" – highlighting the moment when the erhu and dizi mimicked the call of a lark, sending waves of excitement through the crowd.

Beyond the concerts, the orchestra also engaged in cultural exchange activities. In Romania, it collaborated with Dinu Lipatti National College of Arts, offering local students hands-on exposure to Chinese musical traditions. Similar music showcases were held in Latvia and Hungary, fostering deeper appreciation for Chinese folk music.

As a global cultural exchange initiative, the "Happy Chinese New Year" program continues to share the beauty of Chinese traditions with international audiences – strengthening cross-cultural connections through the universal language of music.

The show put on at the Athenaeum Theater in Bucharest, Romania on Jan 20 receives a warm welcome from locals. [Photo/WeChat account: zjcm_cn]