Speech at an Irish Cultural Event
Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing, China, 8th December 2014
It is a great pleasure to be here in this beautiful and historic setting, as we celebrate some of what is best about our rich cultural traditions.
This evening we have witnessed the power of our two people’s music, literature and dance coming together in compelling harmony. This evening’s celebration is an inspiring reminder of the depth and richness of our cultural heritages; and a demonstration of all that is possible when two artistic legacies join together in creative collaboration.
The Arts continually create new spaces and open new possibilities for fresh conversations in a constantly evolving and changing world. They enable us to re-imagine, re-craft and re-interpret relationships within that changing world, and to engage in open and sometimes challenging dialogue. They also allow us to recognise all we share in common, while drawing on that diversity which makes us unique.
The appreciation and admiration which the Irish people have for the rich cultural heritage of China, and the respect and affection which the Chinese people have for our own ancient Irish culture are foundation stones for deepening friendship between our nations.
I wish to extend my thanks to a number of people who have made this evening’s celebration so positive and uplifting.
I am sure you will join me in expressing our gratitude to all of tonight’s wonderful performers – Sharon Shannon and her band, Monica Brennan, Sun Huang, Zhao Xuyang, Paula Meehan, the dancers from Riverdance – as well as our MC, Richard Doran.
May I also thank Culture Ireland, the Irish Embassy in China, the production team, and all the people here in the Forbidden City Concert Hall whose collaboration has made this uplifting night possible.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh – Xie Xie dajia