On the evening of November 16, the melodious sounds of unity filled the Pingtan International Performing Arts Center as the 6th Cross-Straits Choral Exchange Concert took place, featuring five choral groups from both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The event showcased the talents of young and seasoned singers, all coming together to celebrate their shared love for music.

The concert hall was packed with an eager audience as the Pingtan Blue Tears Chorus, the Shu-Te University's Glee Choir from Taiwan, the Fuzhou Teachers' Chorus, the Pingtan Chengdong Primary School's Qilin Chorus, and the Pingtan Experimental Primary School Chorus took to the stage. Each group brought their own unique flair, from traditional attire to innovative musical arrangements, captivating the audience with their performances.

Pingtan Experimental Primary School Chorus performing [Photo by Feng Rong]

The Pingtan Experimental Primary School Chorus, making their debut at the concert, performed "Today is Your Birthday, Mom" and "Meteor Shower," with the latter featuring 50 members dressed in blue, waving blue meteor lights to the rhythm of the music. The conductor, Chen Ting, shared, "We put a lot of thought into the choreography, accompaniment, props, and costumes. 'Today is Your Birthday, Mom' was enriched with a harmonica, giving it a softer, warmer tone, while 'Meteor Shower' incorporated cajons and meteor lights, adding a fresh vitality to the performance."

Pingtan Chengdong Primary School' s Qilin Chorus performing [Photo by Feng Rong]

The Pingtan Chengdong Primary School's Qilin Chorus also delivered a stunning performance, with 46 members dressed in neo-Chinese attire, singing "Nan Ni Wan" and "The Same Song" in three-part harmony under the direction of Li Lanbing. Li expressed, "It's our sixth time participating, and seeing familiar faces is heartwarming."

The concert was not just a display of musical talent but also a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Audiences were seen humming along to the melodies, clapping enthusiastically, and recording videos to remember the moment. The atmosphere was one of joy and shared appreciation for the art of choral singing.

Cross-Straits choruses performing “Tomorrow Will Be Better” [Photo by Feng Rong]

One of the most touching moments came when the concert concluded with a joint performance of "Tomorrow Will Be Better," led by Kang Yudan, vice chairman and secretary-general of the Fujian Musicians Association Chorus Alliance. Kang remarked, "The five choruses from both sides of the Straits singing together express our hope for the concert to continue to flourish."

Audience at the venue [Photo by Jiang Xingheng]

Since 2019, the Cross-Straits Choral Exchange Concert has become a "golden signature" event for Pingtan's choral art development, bringing the Straits communities closer with each successful edition and contributing to Pingtan building an island of music, art, and joy, part of its international tourism island ambition.