From July 6 to 9, Xi'an played host to the One Voice Children's Choir from the United States, invited by the China Education Association for International Exchange. This four-day program brought together 50 young singers from both sides, forging international friendships through workshops, performances, and cultural exploration.
Under the summer sun, choir members dove into immersive workshops on traditional Chinese instruments, while their Chinese peers tried their hand at western vocal techniques. Together, they learned nine songs—from American folk ballads to classical Chinese melodies—culminating in a cross-cultural gala that lit up Xi’an’s historic city wall.
Program Highlights:
- Workshops: 5 vocal and instrument sessions
- Performances: 2 public concerts
- Cultural visits: Terracotta Warriors, local dumpling workshop
Beyond the music, the participants swapped stories over dumpling-making sessions and city tours, breaking down stereotypes through shared experiences. “I’ve learned that a melody needs more than notes—it needs understanding,” said Lily Chen, a 13-year-old from Beijing who sang in Mandarin and English.
Data from this exchange highlight its impact: 83% of participants reported deeper interest in global cultures, and 91% formed lasting friendships. These figures underscore the power of youth programs in shaping tomorrow’s global citizens.
As the final chords faded, the young ambassadors left with not just memories, but a blueprint for future collaboration. Plans are already underway for the next exchange—proof that when music leads, hearts follow.
Reference(s):
China-U.S. youth music exchange program strikes a chord of friendship
cgtn.com
