By Xinming Li, bostonese.com
Boston, Oct. 12, 2015, — The Yellow River Cantata grand concert was held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University last night to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Over 1,000 singers from cities across North America and the 200-member band created the largest musical performance in history by Chinese art groups in North America. Over 5,000 in the audience were immersed in echoes of the heavy gales and torrential waves of the Yellow River at the time of war and fresh interpretations of the masterpiece by the Chinese composer Xian Xinghai.
Mr. Wanjun Qiao thanks the audience（Photos by BCPA）.
This historical concert is the largest cultural event hosted by the Chinese community in the Greater Boston area. Mr. Wanjun Qiao conducted the Yellow River Cantata 10 years ago at John Hancock Hall with about 100-singers. “Thanks to the support from the community, and our dedicated singers from across North American,” said Mr. Qiao on the stage.
The Yellow River Cantata was written during a period of great suffering following Japan’s invasion of China during World War II. The cantata captures the Chinese people’s deep yearning to become a strong nation, free from foreign exploitation.
Guest performers at the Yellow River Cantata concert included leading American and Chinese artists. The cantata is produced and directed by the distinguished music conductor, Mr. Wanjun Qiao, president and artistic director of the North American Choral Association.
The first half of the concert featured senior performers of Hand-in-hand Art Troupe from Guangzhou, China. Their performances were full of energy and vivid display of the diverse cultures of China.
Lindy Li (left in picture above), candidate for US Congress in the Pennsylvania 7th congressional district, made a short speech at start of the second half. She said that her campaign would make the first generation Chinese immigrants like her parents proud.
At 24, Lindy Li is trying to make history by becoming the youngest member of the 115th US Congress. For more details about Lindy Li’s campaign, please visit lindyli.com.
More pictures from the concert can be found in the gallery below.
