Japanese, Chinese disabled artists perform together to commemorate quake victims

Japanese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe held a concert Saturday in Amagasaki city to commemorate victims of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake with the participation of Chinese artists.

The concert, themed"Movement, Courage, Hope", featured performances such as singing of Japanese songs, piano solo, orchestra music, wheelchair dancing as well as ancient Chinese melodies played with traditional Chinese instruments.

The spectators were enthralled with the performances with the 600-seat hall almost packed out.

Among others, the Chinese melodies Horse Race and Flying Partridges played with bamboo flute and Chinese Zheng were much applauded. "There are many connections between Chinese culture and Japanese culture. I'm glad I can present to Japanese people how beautiful the Chinese flute music is,"said Yang Xueyuan, blind Chinese bamboo flute player. "The concert, besides commemorating the 2011 earthquake, also provides a platform for Chinese and Japanese artists to play on the same stage and interact with each other,"said Zhang Yun, art director of the troupe.

Founded in 2013 by local non-profit organization Kansai Disabled Parsons International Association, Japanese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe aims to provide more opportunities for disabled artists to perform for the public.