At the heart of Fuzhou’s vibrant summer scene on July 11, the first notes of the 2025 China-US Youth Choir Festival Gala Concert, titled “The Bond with Kuliang,” swept across the Chinese mainland city, bringing together over 20 outstanding youth choirs from both sides of the Pacific.
Under stage lights, voices rose in powerful harmonies: choirs from the United States delivered stirring renditions of classic gospel and pop arrangements, while ensembles from the Chinese mainland showcased traditional folk melodies fused with modern choral techniques. From soaring soprano lines to deep bass chants, every performance spoke of passion and promise.
But beyond the music, the concert became a living symbol of cultural exchange. Backstage, singers exchanged lyrics and laughter, comparing songbooks and swapping stories about home. One member of a New York-based choir described her moment singing a Chinese lullaby in Mandarin, saying it felt like “building a bridge of sound between two worlds.”
Choirs from Guangzhou, Beijing, Seattle, and Chicago each brought unique talents to the stage, offering hits ranging from Western pop ballads to Chinese patriotic anthems. This blend highlighted a shared spirit of creativity, reminding the audience that music can transcend borders and languages.
Data-driven organizers note that this event marks a 30% increase in participating choirs compared with the festival’s previous edition, reflecting growing enthusiasm among young singers for global collaboration. It also aligns with broader trends: international cultural festivals have surged 45% in the last five years, tracking the rising appetite for cross-cultural experiences among Gen Z and young millennials.
As the final chord faded, applause and cheers filled the auditorium. More than a concert, “The Bond with Kuliang” reaffirmed a legacy of friendship, mutual respect, and artistic innovation between the next generation of the United States and the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
Voices in harmony: China, US youth choirs sing in shared spirit
cgtn.com
