The impressive line-up of artists included Tan Dun, Secret Garden, The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, the Trondheim Soloists, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Eldbjørg Hemsing and the Norwegian traditional dance group Frikar. In addition to HRH Crown Prince Haakon, both the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Trond Giske, and the Minister of Oil and Energy, Mr. Terje Riis-Johansen attended the event.
Tan Dun is China’s most internationally acclaimed composer, and for Norway at Expo it was a scoop to get him aboard. For the first time ever he was conducting his new piece The Love in China, for the occasion performed by The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Eldbjørg Hemsing. Secret Garden is one of Norway’s biggest cultural exports to China and Asia. Known for lyrical songs like Nocturne and You Raise Me Up, they have millions of fans across China. Together with the Chinese martial arts group Qing Pu, Frikar gave a performance that the audience will not forget easily. The blending of Norwegian traditional folk dance and Chinese martial arts is a fusion that surely has never been seen before! The event was held in the Expo Centre, a purpose built hall accommodating 2000 spectators.
HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway makes his entry on red carpet. Photo: Expo 2010 ShanghaiNorway’s participation at Expo 2010 Shanghai aims to strengthen Sino-Norwegian long term relations in both the cultural, political and economic sphere. The interest in Norway has been growing exponentially during the last couple of years in China. Expo 2010 is a great arena for showcasing Norwegian culture and business to a Chinese audience and aims to lead to further knowledge and exchange.
For more information see:
www.expo2010.no