China Media Group (CMG) brought a symphony of diplomacy to New York’s Lincoln Center this week with its "United as One World, Voices of Peace" film concert. The event, timed to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, blended cinematic storytelling and live performances to advocate for cross-cultural understanding.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming praised the initiative in a video message, stating, "Music transcends borders and languages, uniting us in our shared humanity." CMG President Shen Haixiong echoed this sentiment, urging audiences to "cherish peace and advance global modernization" through collaboration.
Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng emphasized historical lessons, calling for dialogue over conflict: "We must resolutely reject warmongering and bullying to build a peaceful world." Stephen Orlins of the National Committee of U.S.-China Relations highlighted the event’s timeliness, noting its potential to "bridge civilizations" amid geopolitical tensions.
The concert featured Grammy-winning pianist Lang Lang, violinist Randall Goosby, and operatic vocalists alongside the New York International Symphony Orchestra and UN musical ensembles. Selections ranged from wartime film scores to contemporary compositions, symbolizing resilience and hope.
