Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin hosts a private concert at his official residence in Houston on Jan 30, featuring the world-class Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra (FCCO) from Beijing. MAY ZHOU / CHINA DAILY

A group of select guests, including Neil Bush, a few consuls general from various countries, and Texas state representatives watched the performance.

"We gather together to celebrate our cooperation and friendship tonight," Li said.

"We want to celebrate the Chinese New Year and express our goodwill and greetings through traditional Chinese music."

Li also thanked the guests for their work toward US-China relations. The FCCO, composed of renowned musicians and professors from the prestigious China Conservatory, also performed in a joint concert with the Houston Symphony at the Chinese Community Center on Jan 31, and made an appearance in the Chinese New Year variety show Embrace Spring on Feb 1.