Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Vansy Kouamoua (R) and Ambassador of France, Ms  Siv-Leng Chhuor  at the opening ceremony in Vientiane on Nov18

(KPL) The 1st France-Laos Festival was held in Vientiane on November 18.

An officially ceremony was attended by Ambassador of France, Ms  Siv-Leng Chhuor and the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Vansy Kouamoua.

Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor recalled that France has always placed culture, in all its forms of expression, at the heart of its diplomatic action. The promotion of diversity is one of the main objectives of the France-Laos Festival, which honours both Lao and French artists. 

This festival is aimed at a wide and varied public, both in terms age of the public and their tastes.

Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Vansy Kouamoua delighted to welcome world-renowned French musicians to Laos.

He congratulated the French Embassy for its contribution, through this high-level cultural event, to the strengthening of the ties of friendship and solidarity between the French and Lao peoples. Finally, the Deputy Minister expressed his conviction that this France-Laos Festival will contribute significantly to the consolidation of the long-standing and historic relations between Laos and France.

The Lao artists of the Vientiane Chamber Orchestra then demonstrated their talent by opening the evening with a performance combining classical music instruments and traditional Laotian instruments. After their interpretations of the French and Lao repertoire, the pianists Maxime Zecchini and David Bismuth, who had come specially from France, gave an exceptional concert entitled "Piano à 1,2,3, 4 mains" and also offered an interpretation of Lao songs, which was also much appreciated.

As a reminder, many cultural performances will take place in Vientiane until Sunday 27 November: cinema, concerts, theatre, exhibitions, fashion. The full programme is available on the social accounts of the French Embassy in Laos and the French Institute of Laos.

KPL