Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Welcome to this concert on the occasion of Denmark’s national day at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai.  

Dialogue and cultural exchange is central to the overall theme of EXPO 2010. And it is central for the Danish participation.

Only through dialogue and exchange of ideas, thoughts and experiences, can we succeed in creating better cities and better lives in the future.

EXPO 2010 is the biggest EXPO ever. It is also the strongest Danish participation ever.

And as a gesture of friendship to our Chinese hosts, we have brought a very special guest star to Shanghai. The Little Mermaid is the center of attention in the Danish pavilion.

The Little Mermaid is an important part of Danish literary history, and her presence is an invitation to further develop the cultural dialogue between Denmark and China.

And while The Little Mermaid is in Shanghai a well-known Chinese artist has created an installation to replace her on her normal spot in Copenhagen Harbour. So in absence of our beloved mermaid, we get an outstanding opportunity to experience contemporary Chinese culture.

With this cultural exchange, we hope to strengthen the bonds between China and Denmark even further.

And tonight, we continue the dialogue and cultural exchange between our countries. We have brought together some of the finest artists from Denmark and China in a classical arts programme, featuring music, singing and ballet.

Tonight is also the world premiere of trumpet soloist and composer Palle Mikkelborg’s ballet ‘Better City, Better Life’. 

I sincerely hope you will enjoy tonight’s performance.

Thank you very much for your attention.