The audience was treated to a variety of traditional Chinese musical renditions as well as dance and martial arts performances, performed by the Shanghai University Arts Troupe.  Professor Paul Giller, Registrar and Senior Vice President of UCC, and Professor Li Wei, Vice President of Shanghai University, opened the celebration.

Cork students from UCC and St. Aloysius School performed the popular songs ‘Jasmine’ and ‘Friend’. In addition, members of the audience participated in an interactive martial arts performance.

The UCC students who performed at the event, taught by teachers of the Confucius Institute which won the title of ‘The Confucius Institute of the Year’ in 2011, are a symbol of the friendship between China and Ireland and between the twinned cities of Cork and Shanghai.

“UCC is producing an Irish generation, with an in-depth understanding of Chinese culture, who can effectively deal with China in the 21st Century, capable of promoting mutual understanding between Ireland and China”, said Professor Fan Hong, Director, Irish Institute of Chinese Studies, UCC.

The Chinese New Year 2012 ushers in the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power. People born under the Dragon are said to be passionate, brave and self-assured.

Picture: Opening Dance – The Celebration of Harvest

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