France will stage a yearlong series of cultural exchange events across Korea to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the French Embassy in Seoul said Thursday. Under the theme of "creativity, opportunity and solidarity," around 100 events spanning music, visual arts, literature, film, drama and performing arts will take place in 20 cities nationwide, according to the embassy. "The program would serve as an opportunity to further solidify the friendly relations between the two countries across political, cultural, security, educational and human exchange fields," French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux told reporters at the embassy. The festivities will open Saturday with a concert by the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra led by Adrien Perruchon, the principal French conductor, at Bucheon Arts Center, about 23 kilometers southwest of Seoul. Rising French pianist Arielle Beck will join the orchestra as a soloist. Most major cultural events are scheduled for June, marking the month when the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed between the two