SHANGHAI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) - During an evening in July this year, amateur singers from China and abroad performed in the largest show since the Shanghai World Expo opened on May 1. The famous Chinese folk song "What a Beautiful Jasmine", Australian song "Sheep Shearing", and Russia's "Moscow Evening" were all included in the list.
Liu Liu, a singer in the Dahua Elders Chorus of Shanghai Baoshan district, said he was happy to perform on the Expo stage.
"I've never learned German or Danish. I learned the pronunciation of the lyrics of foreign songs using Chinese pinyin and practiced them again and again, and finally I'm here," said Liu, who is in his 60s.
Artists from all over the world have showcased more than 20,000 performances since May through early October at the 5.28-square kilometer Shanghai World Expo site. The performances have attracted some 27 million spectators.
At the Expo, Chinese audiences had the chance to experience different foreign cultures without going abroad as top artist groups, musicians and dancers descended on the Chinese city to perform.
One example of that: the English National Ballet and Shanghai Ballet Troupe jointly performed for the UK National Pavilion Day on Sept. 8.
An Italian Jazz Festival was also held between Oct. 15 and 19. Famous Italian jazz musicians, including Stefano Bollani, shared the depth and variety of Italian music with audiences.
Earlier, the Arabian Art Festival had kicked off in June, highlights of which were carpet dances from Egypt and scimitar dances from Saudi Arabia.
