Pope welcomes Chinese orchestra to Vatican, greets nation's Catholics

Published: 2008-05-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In welcoming China's Philharmonic Orchestra to the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI said he was extending a hand of friendship to the Chinese people and greeting the country's Catholics. The pope also wished the people of China well in their preparations for the upcoming Olympics, calling the games "an event of great importance for the entire human family." The Beijing-based, state-run orchestra, together with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, performed for the first time a concert in honor of the pope in the Vatican's Paul VI hall May 8. Led by conductor Yu Long, the 145 musicians and singers performed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Requiem" and a Chinese folk song, "Jasmine Flower." Some 7,000 people, including top Vatican officials and diplomats, attended the hourlong concert. Before beginning the performance, Yu said the concert was of "historical significance" and said he hoped it would "help spread a message of peace and love."

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