Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the “75th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the 8th New York Chinese Choral Music Festival” hosted by the Coalition of Chinese-American Organizations at the Flushing High School auditorium. This vibrant event featured ten diverse choirs from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, offering the audience a rich musical experience that showcased a variety of folk song styles.

During the event, I spoke with Chen Mei, the Executive Chair of the Coalition, who welcomed a number of esteemed guests, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate in New York, Senator John Liu, and Assemblymember Grace Meng. These officials acknowledged the importance of the event and presented certificates of appreciation to Chen Mei and the American-Chinese Musicians Association, honoring their contributions to New York’s multicultural community.

Chen Mei shared that the New York Chinese Choir Festival has become a cherished cultural brand within the Chinese-American community, drawing in music enthusiasts from all walks of life. This year, the festival saw participation from over 500 individuals spanning various age groups, with many showcasing award-winning performances from their competitions.

The audience was also treated to performances by acclaimed solo artists from the American-Chinese Musicians Association, who mesmerized attendees with a mix of Chinese and Western art songs, earning enthusiastic applause. Chen Mei emphasized that this year’s festival holds a unique significance, as it aligns with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. It serves as a heartfelt expression of the Chinese diaspora’s love for their homeland, coming together through music to celebrate this historic milestone.