Nearly 30 youth choirs from the Chinese mainland and the United States harmonized at The Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival, transforming melodies into a powerful dialogue for peace. Held under the theme "Sing for Peace," the event showcased collaborative performances blending traditional Chinese folk tunes with American gospel and jazz classics.
The Power of Shared Melodies
Participants engaged in cross-strait workshops on vocal techniques and lyric writing, while exploring regional cuisines and folk traditions. "Music lets us speak without translators," said Li Wei, a 17-year-old choir member from Beijing. His counterpart, Emily Carter from California, added: "We\u2019re building friendships that no political differences can shake."
Kuliang\u2019s Historical Resonance
The festival\u2019s namesake location \u2013 a mountain retreat near Fuzhou \u2013 symbolizes enduring China-US ties, having hosted American families in the early 20th century. Organizers emphasized this continuity, with joint choir rehearsals held at historic sites linked to early cultural exchanges.
Looking Ahead
Plans are underway for reciprocal tours in 2026, with participating choirs scheduled to perform at New York\u2019s Lincoln Center and Beijing\u2019s National Centre for the Performing Arts. Music educators from both countries are developing a bilingual curriculum to sustain engagement between festivals.
