Music concert to honor shared pursuit of peace

Eighty years after the end of World War II, Chinese-American communities and Symphony San Jose are joining forces to present one of China's most stirring musical works in a commemorative concert that bridges cultures and honors the shared pursuit of peace.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the conclusion of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the founding of the United Nations.

To honor these historic milestones, the Yellow River Cantata will be performed on Aug 16 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

"Music brings us together. It unites us. I think this is going to be an incredible celebration. It is a perfect vehicle for what we need in the world right now," Robert Massey, executive artistic director of Symphony San Jose, told China Daily.

Massey described the partnership with Chinese-American groups as "absolutely wonderful".

"Our symphony is looking at how we can really serve this innovative and diverse community. When the organizers came to talk to us about participating in this historic event, we just knew it was something we wanted to be a part of," he said.

The concert is organized by more than 20 Chinese-American groups, led by the Alliance for Preserving the Truth of the Sino-Japanese War. Musicians from Symphony San Jose will be joined by traditional Chinese instrumentalists, including specialists in the pipa and sanxian.

According to organizers, the performance will feature about 70 musicians from Symphony San Jose and 150 members from Chinese-American chorus groups.

Composed by Xian Xinghai in 1939 with lyrics by Guang Weiran, the Yellow River Cantata is a landmark in Chinese music. Created during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, it reflects the unity and resilience of the Chinese people in their fight against foreign invasion.

The cantata uses the Yellow River — China's "mother river" — as a symbol of national spirit and perseverance, fusing Western classical forms with Chinese folk melodies and instruments.

Wang Jun, vice-president of the Choral Alliance of the China Musicians Association, will conduct the performance.

"I have conducted the Yellow River Cantata many times before, but this time is very special," Wang said. "It's not just about performance — it's our way of expressing the hope for peace and a better future."

Wang noted that the cantata expresses profound emotion through its orchestral arrangements while highlighting the unique characteristics of Chinese music.

With English subtitles, he said, international audiences will be able to grasp the narrative and emotional depth of the work, particularly in movements such as The Lament of the Yellow River and Defend the Yellow River.

"Themes in the cantata reflect shared human emotions," he said. "Even audiences unfamiliar with Chinese cultural context can feel its emotional power. The melodies alone are deeply moving."

From an orchestra standpoint, Massey said, the experience is equally enriching. "It's wonderful when we get to play music that's not necessarily Western European centric but still uses the full range of the traditional orchestra."