by Zhao Qing Yang Shilong

    OTTAWA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- On Friday evening, the National Art Center in Canada's capital became the scene of the Spring Festival Gala 2009 to celebrate the forthcoming Year of the Ox in the Chinese lunar calendar.

    Here, leading Chinese artists and entertainers, in collaboration with Canadian artists, presented a visual and musical feast to the audience, heating up the atmosphere while the city was shivering in the bitter cold of minors 40 degree Celsius.

    With songs, music, dances, operas and acrobatics, traditional or modern, with Chinese, Mongolian and southwestern minority ethnic elements, the performances highlighted China's rich and multi-ethnic civilization.

Chinese actor Liuxiaolingtong (top) performs in Ottawa, Canada, Jan. 16, 2009. A lot of overseas Chinese gathered here to watch the performance by Chinese and Canadian artists to celebrate the approaching Spring Festival on Friday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Group dance "The Charming Huadan" blends modern choreography and traditional body language including the body shape and the tour de force of mask-changing.

    "Dancing Under the Moon", an ensemble of seven traditional instruments, exhibited the variety of Chinese music and proficiency of the musicians.

    Five Mongolian young men sang in the most straightforward and uninhibited singing method, visualizing the powerfulness and magnanimity of young men marching on the boundless grassland.

    In one of the most acclaimed programs, three renowned artists painted peony flower and birds and finished a four-character calligraphy work meaning "spring across the world" in just five minutes, while a young girl was playing chess with an adult man, and men were playing flute and Guqin.

Chinese artists perform in Ottawa, Canada, Jan. 16, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The performers, all dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, were illustrating a traditional Chinese literary life, with music, chess, calligraphy and painting as the four essential elements.

    Most amazingly, the Chinese artists collaborated seamlessly with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in presenting six Chinese music pieces, creating a beautiful harmony.

    Commenting the performance, Ottawa Mayor Larry O' Brien said, "The Far East meets in unison with the West, as artists representing a variety of genres from diverse regions of China perform alongside members of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Canadian musicians, creating a multi-disciplined celebration of harmony, rhythm and talent."

    Jean, an employee of the National Art Center, commented to Xinhua that he thought the gala is more than a cultural event. "The Chinese performers are bringing to the Ottawa audience cultural ties between Canada and China. Seeing the Ottawa audienceen joying the performances reminds me of the common desire of both countries to strengthen their ties," he said.

Chinese Erhu player Jiang Kemei (L, front) shakes hands with Canadian conductor David Currie after the performance in Ottawa, capital of Canada, Jan. 16, 2009.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper also sent messages to express their appreciation and support.

    "This celebration, and many others like it being held in communities across Canada, reflects the beauty of our nation's rich cultural tapestry," said the Governor General.

    "I hope you will all have an equally delightful opportunity to give thanks for past blessings and to usher in the Year of the Ox with hope, good health and happiness," she said.

    "I am certain that the display of talent and artistry ... will be a wonderful reflection of the beauty and grandeur of traditional Chinese culture, and of the great pride felt by the Chinese Canadian community, " said prime minister.