The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States Arts Festival, hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, dazzled audiences at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Shandong province, on July 7.

The event, featuring a vibrant youth concert, showcased the rich cultural diversity and artistic excellence of SCO nations under a starlit sky.

The night began with a grand performance of Peace and Prosperity, a mesmerizing song-and-dance piece by renowned Chinese vocalists Jin Shengquan and Wang Yifeng. Accompanied by sweeping orchestral melodies and a dynamic visual backdrop, the opening act symbolized the SCO's shared vision of unity and cooperation in tackling global challenges.

The concert contained a dazzling array of performances by musicians from SCO member states, each act a gem in the crown of cultural exchange.

Highlights included Pakistan's Raasta band enchanting the crowd with In Your Eyes, a soulful folk ballad exuding romance and tenderness;Russia's string quartet delivering a masterclass in classical elegance, performing excerpts from The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet; and Uzbekistan's Blossoming Uzbekistan, featuring vibrant vocals and a spirited dance that celebrated the nation's Silk Road heritage.

The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The crescendo came with Onward to New Peaks and Shores, a powerful ensemble featuring Chinese singers and international students from SCO nations studying in Qingdao. The anthem's message — "Crossing mountains and seas, hearts and hands united" — resonated as a pledge for deeper friendship among the young people of SCO nations.

The finale saw artists from all member states return to the stage for a rousing rendition of Libiamo from La Traviata, a universal ode to joy and solidarity. The collective performance underscored the festival's spirit of cross-border harmony.

More than a display of artistic mastery, the opening ceremony served as a bridge between cultures, strengthening the SCO's cultural and people-to-people bonds. The festival will continue in Qingdao through August, with performances and exchanges by troupes from China, Belarus, Russia and other nations.

The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]