On May 5th, Vice Chairman Deng Rong led the delegation of the the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC), China Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus of Shanghai Opera House to perform in Vatican. On May 7th, China Philharmonia Orchestra had its first performance in the Paul VI hall of the Vatican. Benedikt XVI led all statesmen of Vatican, conclave and archbishop group to attend the concert, and at the end of performance, he issued the friendly talk to China and met with 30 Chinese honored guests. The performance was crowned with complete success and exerted great influence at home and abroad. Phoenix Television Live telecast and made comments on it for many times. Media at home and abroad reported it competitively and they regarded this performance as the “ice-breaking movement”, “epoch-making activity” and the “opportunity for improving the China-Vatican Relations”.
Vice Chairman Deng Rong meeting with the Pope Benedict Xvi
Vice Chairman Deng Rong talking with bishop of Vatican