A Special Concert for Brave Children with Type 1 Diabetes
ShanghaiMay 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the “Croisements Festival” marks its 20th anniversary, Sanofi, in partnership with the French Embassy in China, the French Institute, and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, jointly hosted a public welfare event: inviting the world-renowned Royal Opera Orchestra of the Palace of Versailles to present a special concert infused with French rhythm for children with type 1 diabetes, their parents, and public welfare advocates.
When the Seine meets the Suzhou Creek, when centuries-old Baroque music meets the hope and care of the “Healthy Childhood” initiative, a concert about love and courage begins.
This is a continuation of Sanofi’s years of support for the “Croisements Festival,” and a warm tribute to the third anniversary of the “Healthy Childhood” China Youth Health Public Welfare Project, a special fund under the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation established by Sanofi China.
The Royal Opera Orchestra of the Palace of Versailles performs multiple classic pieces.
Three representatives of children with type 1 diabetes perform ‘Canon’ together, playing a moving symphony of childhood.
All guests release paper planes symbolizing Sino-French friendship, capturing a beautiful moment of this spring.
This event brought together multiple forces to promote social welfare through cross-sector collaboration, caring for the health of children and adolescents.
Pierre KORZILIUS, Cultural Counselor of the French Consulate General in Shanghai and Director of the French Institute in Shanghai, stated: “We are very honored to welcome the Royal Opera Orchestra of the Palace of Versailles back to China at this special time, allowing the moving melodies that once echoed in the palace three centuries ago to resound in Shanghai once again, conveying love, hope, and courage to the children and their families. We sincerely thank Sanofi for its 13 years of partnership with the ‘Croisements Festival,’ using steadfast support to make such humanistic and culturally significant events possible, helping vulnerable groups or children suffering from illness enjoy unforgettable artistic moments.”
Zhu Yaping, Senior Advisor for Public Welfare Projects at the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, stated: “Adhering to Madame Soong Ching Ling’s philosophy of ‘giving the most precious things to children,’ the foundation has always prioritized the healthy growth of children and adolescents. In the three years since we partnered with Sanofi to build the ‘Healthy Childhood’ project, we have witnessed the significant effectiveness of multi-party collaboration in the field of chronic disease management for children. We cherish this partnership and look forward to exploring more diverse public welfare paths in the future to safeguard the comprehensive development of children.”
Shi Wang, President of Sanofi Greater China, stated: “Sanofi’s commitment to the Chinese market lies not only in continuous scientific innovation but also in our responsibility for the healthy growth of the next generation. The health of children and adolescents involves not only a strong physique but also a rich and optimistic state of mind. We hope to use this concert as an opportunity to explore diverse forms of science education and healing in the management of chronic diseases in children, and together with all sectors of society, illuminate the dreams and healthy futures of every child.”
From supporting Sino-French cultural exchanges to deepening public welfare efforts for children and adolescent health, Sanofi is helping more children and adolescents shine with vitality. Sanofi will continue to contribute to the goal of “Healthy China 2030” through ongoing innovation and action, safeguarding the healthy growth of the next generation and building a sustainable, better future together.
“Healthy Childhood” is a public welfare project by Sanofi in partnership with the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, focusing on improving the health literacy of children and adolescents, with a focus on diabetes, respiratory, skin, and immunology areas. Over three years, the project has benefited more than 20,000 school-age children, children with chronic diseases, and their families.
Sanofi is a long-term partner of the “Croisements Festival,” supporting this artistic event in cities across China including Chengdu, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Wuhan, benefiting over 540 teachers, students, children with illnesses, and their families. This year, the “Healthy Childhood” project was integrated into the “Croisements Festival” for the first time, achieving a cross-sector fusion of health welfare and cultural exchange.