On the evening of 3rd November, 2011, a piano recital by Prof. Bao Huiqiao, a renowned Chinese pianist, was held at Verdala Palace, Buskett. H.E. Dr George Abela, President of Malta, and Mrs. Abela hosted the recital, attended by H.E. Mr. Zhang Keyuan, the Chinese Ambassador and Mrs. Zhang along with other celebrities in Malta.

In his remarks, Mr. Zhang introduced Prof. Bao as a world-class artist. Her achievements include acclaimed performances in more than 20 countries since the 1960s, "Prof. Bao's recital is scheduled at the inauguration of the Kayserburg Grand Piano, a grant from the Chinese government after an official visit to Malta by Vice President Xi Jinping in February 2009" Ambassador Zhang noted, "The Piano is a symbol and witness of friendly relations between China and Malta," he said.

"The east meets west at Verdala this evening," President Abela responded. He also expressed that such people-to-people exchanges served to further friendly relations between Malta and China which have existed since the 1970's. He also thanked Vice President Xi for the Piano, and his appreciation to the China Cultural Centre for bringing a world-class pianist to the Verdala Palace.

In the newly renovated, splendid Verdala Palace, Prof. Bao presented the lyrical Nocturne in C-sharp minor and Waltz in C-sharp minor by F. Chopin, Andaluza by E. Granados and Fire Dance by M de Falla. She also performed some Chinese pieces, including The Jasmine, Woodcutter Liu Hai, Ode to the Yellow River and Xinjiang Capriccio.