'Celtic moments' – Wyeth Nutrition sponsors glorious comeback of the Chieftains

Shanghai, China – The Chieftains, dubbed a national treasure of Ireland, are a synonym for traditional Irish music, a winner of six Grammys, and the first Western band invited to play on the Great Wall of China in the 1980s. All of these are just part of what it is.

Now, it is making a comeback to China after being away for 30 years. Sponsored by Wyeth Nutrition, the band successfully staged two concerts in Beijing and Shanghai on November 17th and 18th, respectively, which attracted nearly 2,000 audiences. The melodious and resounding sound of the uilleann pipes will awaken sleeping memories and take the audience back to the origin of Irish music to visit that piece of pure land and touch the deepest feelings in hearts.

Qu Feng, President of Wyeth Nutrition Greater China, said, "Ireland has three quarters of its land covered by plants. Its geographical advantage of being surrounded by the ocean cuts it off from pollution. The ‘jade island' is home to exceptional natural milk sources, from which Illuma originates. Sticking to the brand philosophy of 'a century's worth of experience and a heritage of excellence in nourishing and supporting healthy new generations', Wyeth Nutrition not only wants to present products that integrate Ireland's innovative technology, natural environment advantages, and premium quality to consumers, but also expects to share the country's culture and art treasures, such as folk songs and rhymes, with more Chinese people, benefiting them in both material and spiritual levels. The Chieftains are a prominent representative."

"When The Chieftains are preparing a new album of Irish music, numerous ears are cocked up sincerely in the world." The band had been on a par with other popular bands, such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, in the early days. It has now become a symbol of Irish music and a respected master-level band in the world. Its glory in the past century has sent it to a level beyond new comers' reach. The band will choose An Gaoth Aneas as the opening song in its tour in China, which it has played during its first visit to China in 1984. Scottish vocalist Alyth McCormack will play Mo Ghile Mear and The Foggy Dew. In addition to classic songs, the band will play Full of Joy, which is adapted from China's traditional Spring Festival music.

The Consul General of Ireland in Shanghai, Therese Healy said:"I am delighted that Ireland's foremost musicians, The Chieftains, are back in Shanghai more than 30 years after their first visit here. The relationship between Ireland and Shanghai has developed in so many positive ways in the years since - through official cooperation, in business, and with vibrant two-way cultural exchanges. It is fitting so that The Chieftains as our first ‘musical ambassadors' here, return to share their music with a Shanghai audience again, and it is an occasion to mark and celebrate all that Ireland and Shanghai do together. I want to thank Wyeth Nutrition as the fantastic sponsor of this great cultural moment and I hope that the concert will encourage Shanghai people to know more about Ireland and Irish culture."

The Irish people are born with a love of music and wine. Its unique history of struggle adds depth to its national romanticism. The nationality is replete with too much emotion, which can only be expressed through music and has created the uniqueness and indelible feelings of Irish music. When the bagpipes and the harps are played, the memories and thoughts are unconsciously awakened from the deepest part of people's hearts and souls, taking them back to the place where they have been too long apart. There are tall trees, green rivers, warm soil, as well as flocks of cattle and sheep. In this world for listeners, all the joys and sows of the history of struggle have become the past. Only the lofty sentiments after centuries of baptism are still shining under the sky, like old wine, soul-stirring and touching.

The Ambassador of Ireland to the People's Republic of China, H.E. Paul Kavanagh said "I am delighted that we have had the opportunity to join the Chieftains in celebrating the richness of Irish traditional music at the wonderful Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. The Chieftains are its leading exponents and through their cooperation with the wonderful Dadawa and others we hugely enjoyed hearing the links the group has continued to forge with the equally ancient and remarkable traditional music of China. This is a perfect reflection of the wonderful relations between Ireland and China, their Governments and peoples. Irish traditional music reflects our ancient and vibrant traditions and I very much hope that the audience could feel through their music a sense of an island people that has embraced the world and has been embraced by it. It is over 30 years since the group's last visit to Beijing when they became the first western music group to play on the Great Wall of China. During that period relations between Ireland and China have become close, warm and highly beneficial for both countries. I sincerely thank Wyeth Nutrition for their substantial sponsorship which made this 2015 Chieftains tour in China possible."