The year 2025 marks a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. To promote cultural exchange among Chinese and European students and faculty, a special cultural lecture titled “Approaching French Art” was held on the afternoon of November 4 in the Art Performance Hall of the Zisong Activity Center. Professor Michel Cassir from Chimie Paris PSL, together with his wife, musician and composer Claudia Christiansen, presented a poetic and musical performance to more than 50 ICARE teachers and students.
Prof. Cassir opened the event with a smile: “Today I will recite poems in French and English, and Claudia will enhance them with music and voice. Together, we will guide you into the unique world of French art.”
Prof. Michel Cassir is an accomplished literary figure, with thirty published works and poetry collections distributed internationally. He won the Le Jasmin d’Argent Literary Prize in 2008. His recitations were rich in emotion and varied in style—at times soft and flowing like a mountain spring, at other times powerful like crashing waves—immersing the audience in his poetic world. Between recitations, he offered brief explanations about each poem’s background and emotional context, helping the audience appreciate the depth of the works.
Ms. Claudia Christiansen’s musical performance masterfully blended instruments and vocalization. Her lyrical passages evoked a gentle breeze, while her more dynamic sections pulsed with energy, vividly amplifying the poetry’s emotional layers.
Following the recital, student representatives presented flowers to the performers, expressing heartfelt gratitude. Faculty and students then gathered for a group photo—capturing a moment of cultural connection and shared joy.
The event beautifully intertwined poetry and music, creating a vivid encounter between Chinese and French cultures. Participants experienced the artistic allure of France while celebrating half a century of China-EU friendship. ICARE will continue to host multicultural activities, using culture as a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning, allowing the flowers of civilization to bloom with renewed brilliance.
