Being part of the events of Shared Joy of Jiangsu, Foreigners’ Sing and Talent Competition has been held for 8 years. In 2017, thousands of foreigners have signed for the competition and about 150 foreigners have entered the final round. The Spring Festival Gala for Foreigners, being the special edition of the competition, welcomes the finalists to perform on the stage. Hello Jiangsu brings you to the backstage to get a little preview of the gala and hear some of the performers’ stories in Jiangsu.
On December 6th, 2017, the 2017 Spring Festival Gala for Foreigners was recorded in Shiqiu Film Base of Nanjing.
Hosted by Jiangsu Provincial Government’s Information Office, Education Department, and Foreign Affairs Office, the gala is also the special edition of Shared Joy of Jiangsu – Foreigners’ Singing and Talent Competition.
This year, about 150 foreigners from around the world have participated the gala. They present 13 wonderful performances, including Chinese folk songs, Kunshan operas, and traditional Chinese dances.
Sun Yi, Director of the Spring Festival Gala for Foreigners, said:"Shared Joy of Jiangsu is a series of cultural events hosted by Jiangsu Provincial Government, including the Chinese Speaking Competition, International Jazz Festival and the Foreigners’ Singing and Talent Competition. The gala, being the special edition of the singing and talent competition will be aired on Jiangsu Satellite TV and Jiangsu International Channel during Spring Festival."
David Jackson has participated Shared Joy of Jiangsu for multiple times. He came to China in 2010. He toured several cities and finally stayed in Suzhou. In there, he found a perfect stage for him to perform - the open mic night in a Foreign Languages’ book store. He said he still can’t forget his first performance in the bookstore on October 12th, 2011.
David Jackson got his fame after he covered the song Pingfanzhilu or “The Road to Ordinary”, a song of Chinese singer Pu Shu and posted on his Weibo. Then he was often asked to perform at different clubs, even in other cities.
David’s face is not new for Shared Joy of Jiangsu. This time, Jackson brings his team to perform a song originally performed by Jonny J. The song is called “My City” and shows Jackson’s deep affection of Nanjing. He said,"Apart from old faces, the gala also welcomes some first-time participants. Most of them are foreign students in Nanjing. They together performed a series of Chinese folk songs. Look at them wearing costumes of Chinese minority groups! Isn’t that fun?"
