A Tale of Two Cities: The Bridge of Sino-French Friendship – Magic Finger International Art Festival in Beijing and Shanghai

On November 15, 2024, the “Sino-French Art Bridge: Magic Finger International Art Festival Beijing Edition” concluded successfully. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, CGTN (China Global Television Network) interviewed François Kessler, French chairman of the festival and former president of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation; Liu Jian, Chinese chairman of the festival; and Li Yi, the festival’s artistic director and soprano singer based in France. This marked the end of the 2024 domestic series (concerts) of the Magic Finger International Art Festival.

Fate: Shanghai French School

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The Shanghai French School (Lycée Français de Shanghai), founded in 1995, consists of two campuses in Yangpu and Qingpu districts. It serves more than 1,450 students from over 45 countries, offering a distinctly French architectural and educational style.

On November 13, the Shanghai edition of the “Sino-French Art Bridge: Magic Finger International Art Festival” opened at this institution. Prior to the event, remarks were delivered by Mr. Benoît Guidée, French Consul General in Shanghai; Mr. Jean-Yves Hervé, CEO of the Shanghai French School; Mr. Liu Jian, Chinese chairman of the festival; and Ms. Li Yi, artistic director and soprano singer.

Mr. Wang Du, French Consul in Shanghai

Mr. Jean-Yves Hervé, CEO of the Shanghai French School

Mr. Liu Jian, Chinese Chairman of the Festival

Ms. Li Yi, Artistic Director and Soprano Singer.

The festival’s French chairman, François Kessler, and François Torrès, a former French ambassadorial official in China, presented a compelling lecture titled “General Charles de Gaulle: The Pioneer of Sino-French Friendship.” Their vivid storytelling highlighted de Gaulle’s wisdom and courage in laying the foundation for Sino-French relations. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the historic and profound ties between the two nations.

In the musical segment, performances by Chinese pianist Tang Juchen and two talented students from the Shanghai French School enthralled the audience. Their skillful artistry and emotional expression left the international audience in awe, demonstrating that art truly knows no borders.

General François Kessler (left)

General François Torre (right)

Outstanding Student Representative of Liu Jian Art, Chen Jiu’er

Outstanding Student Representative of Liu Jian Art, Zeng Moxuan

Tang Juechen, a Young pianist from China Magic Finger

Encounter: Art 8

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Art 8, located at No. 20 North Imperial City Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, was established in 1920 on the former campus of Sino-French University. This historic site now serves as a cultural bridge for Sino-French art and education.

On November 15, the Beijing edition of the festival launched grandly at Art 8. The event was attended by prominent figures such as Ms. Hou Chunyan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix News, and Mr. Marin, General Manager of Art 8.

Vice Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix News, Hou Chunyan (right)

Chairman of the Chinese Side of the Magic Finger International Art Festival, Founder of Liu Jian Art Piano School, Liu Jian

General Manager of Art8, Ma Lun

Ms. Li Yi, Artistic Director and Soprano Singer.

The event began with another captivating lecture by François Kessler, with real-time translation by François Torrès, who is fluent in Chinese. Kessler’s presentation was enhanced by multimedia elements, immersing the audience in the remarkable contributions of Charles de Gaulle to Sino-French relations.

The second half of the event featured performances by Chinese pianists Li Peiwen and Xiao Mohan, whose exceptional talent offered an unforgettable auditory and visual experience.

General François Kessler (left)

General François Torre (right)

China Magic Finger Pianist, Li Peiwen

China Magic Finger Pianist, Xiao Mohan

Tang Juechen, a Young pianist from China Magic Finger

This festival integrated historical lectures and diverse musical performances to explore the historical threads of Sino-French cultural exchange, showcasing the unique charm of both cultures and fostering deeper cooperation in the arts.

François Kessler’s Journey in China

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French Chairman of the Magic Finger International Art Festival, General François Kessler (left), former President of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation

François Kessler, a graduate of the Saint-Cyr Military Academy, the French War College, and the NATO Defense College, has held various prestigious military and diplomatic roles. Since 2001, he has served as the president of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, contributing significantly to Sino-French diplomatic ties.

In 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of Sino-French relations, Kessler’s return to China after a decade was a profound experience. During his visit to Liu Jian Art Schools in Beijing and Shanghai, Kessler expressed high praise for the institutions’ professionalism and dedication to nurturing young pianists.

François Torrès: A “China Expert”

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Advisor of the Magic Finger International Art Festival, General François Torre (left), former staff member at the French Embassy in the People’s Republic of China

François Torrès, also a graduate of Saint-Cyr Military Academy, holds a degree in Chinese from INALCO (National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations). As the artistic advisor for the festival, Torrès accompanied Kessler during his tour of Shanghai and Beijing, recognizing Liu Jian’s visionary educational philosophy.

Next Stop: Paris

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Paris, a city synonymous with art and culture, will host the next leg of the Magic Finger International Art Festival during the 2025 Lunar New Year. Artists from both countries will gather for a 12-day artistic journey, featuring concerts, masterclasses by renowned professors, and visits to iconic landmarks such as the Louvre. This event aims to deepen the artistic connection between China and France and celebrate their enduring friendship.

The Shanghai French School, founded in 1995, is a non-profit private international school managed by a parent council. It has two campuses, one in Qingpu and one in Yangpu, with 1,450 students from 45 different countries. The school is affiliated with the French Agency for Education Abroad (AEFE), which oversees the largest network of schools worldwide, ensuring that the education in each of its schools meets the standards of the French national education system.

Art 8 is located at No. 20, North Imperial City Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Built in 1920 on the original site of the Sino-French University, it stands in the central axis area of Beijing. It is surrounded by numerous national heritage landmarks, including the National Art Museum of China, the Forbidden City, the former site of Peking University’s Red Building (birthplace of the May Fourth Movement), and the Qiushi Journal headquarters. Situated within Beijing’s Second Ring Road, this century-old building uniquely blends the classical culture of the Oriental Imperial City with the innovative ideas of the West.