On Feb. 9th, Consul General Gao and his wife Wang Yanlai attended "Chinese New Year Concert" by China National Orchestra in Stanford Bing Concert Hall.

Consul General Gao extended his best wishes and congratulations on the forthcoming Year of Snake. He highly appraised China National Orchestra as the most renowned Chinese music ensemble around the world and indicated that, China is a multi-national country with brilliant long-standing history and civilization. Chinese traditional music has been an important part of Chinese culture and always the best source to make a highlight. He hoped, through all the concerts and activities during the festival, it would not only improve American people's interest to learn Chinese music, but also continuously promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and United States.

The China National Orchestra, a 90-person ensemble of musicians directed by Chen Xieyang, performed concertos and orchestral works on traditional instruments to celebrate the Year of the Snake. 

During the Festival, a lecture and panel discussion series called Art for Art's Sake or Art for "The People's" Sake has also been presented to the public to foster discussion on the role of Chinese art and culture in society and in the world.

On Feb. 10th, Consul General Gao hosted reception for China National Orchestra celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake.