FUZHOU, the Chinese mainland – Against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Tulou communities just outside town, more than 200 young singers from the Chinese mainland and the United States have gathered for the 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival. Over the next week, choirs will take the stage, blend voices, and build friendships that transcend borders.
Music as a universal language: Through 15 joint performances, workshops, and cultural tours, participants are exploring shared traditions—from gospel to folk ballads—while discovering Fuzhou’s centuries-old tea ceremony and local opera. It’s not just a festival, it’s a hands-on lesson in global citizenship.
Data-driven harmony: According to organizers, 25 choirs are participating, with an average age of 17. Early surveys show 95% of singers feel more confident engaging with peers from different cultures, and 88% plan to stay in touch after the festival.
Voices from the choir: “Singing together has opened my eyes to new rhythms and friendships,” says Li Mei, a soprano from a Fuzhou high school choir. “It’s proof that music can unite us—no matter where we’re from,” adds Jackson, a tenor traveling from New York.
Looking ahead: As these young ambassadors return home, they carry more than souvenirs. They leave with fresh perspectives, digital connections, and a shared playlist of hope. It’s a melody of unity that resonates far beyond Fuzhou’s concert halls.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
