Musicians and public figures from six countries joined China Global Television Network (CGTN) to release a powerful musical tribute commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The collaborative project, titled Ode to Peace, features artists from China, Japan, the UK, France, Italy, and Jordan alongside Beijing schoolchildren in a cross-cultural call for global harmony.
The video opens with children from Beijing's primary and secondary schools performing an excerpt from The Great Wall Ballad, a wartime composition dating back to 1937. Their voices blend with contemporary artists in multiple languages, creating a tapestry of shared aspirations. Participants deliver heartfelt peace messages in their native tongues, emphasizing unity across borders.
Historical footage juxtaposed with modern performances serves as both remembrance and renewal – honoring sacrifices made during the 20th century's defining conflict while advocating for sustained international cooperation. The project's organizers describe it as 'music serving as sunlight to illuminate humanity's common future.'
This initiative arrives as nations worldwide grapple with regional tensions, offering an artistic counterpoint to division. By involving youth participants alongside established artists, the video bridges generational perspectives on peacebuilding – a theme resonating with educators, cultural analysts, and diaspora communities seeking constructive dialogue.
