Canadian soprano Katherine Whyte surprised a Chinese audience at the National Theater with three traditional Chinese songs: White Hair Girl, I Love You, China and Jasmine Flower.

The artist, who has performed on opera and concert stages across North America and Europe performed with Yang Xiaoyong, a known Chinese artist and member of the Chinese Musician Association, at the 16th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival.

Whyte spent some time learning Chinese leading up to the arts festival to try and sing the Chinese songs the right way.

"I can't imagine how a foreigner could learn Chinese. It's just so hard," said Whyte.

To celebrate the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 11th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Canada, the 16th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival is themed "Spring China and Canada ".

Guoyong, the art director of the opening concert said, "Along with a series of art events during the next two weeks, the opening ceremony was held on April 24 in the National Theater in Beijing. This really opened a window for Canada to show its Canadian culture to a Chinese audience."