Rousing songs echo along the Yellow River

Uplifting melodies could be heard along the Yellow River in Sanmenxia, Henan province as the Yellow River Cantata opened at Sanhe Square at the Sanmenxia Swan Lake Wetland National Park on May 26.

The cantata was organized by the China Chorus Association and invited people from tourist-generating cities to perform classical music with the local chorus in Sanmenxia. The goal is to establish the city's cultural image and boost tourism.

Over 1,700 singers from 29 choruses participated. This year's event was attended by more provinces and produced more high-quality performances than any previous year.

Wu Yun, deputy secretary of the CPC Sanmenxia Municipal Party Committee, noted in his speech that the chorus is the kind of art that unites and inspires people. The Yellow River Cantata, which has been held for five consecutive years, has played a vital role in boosting the city's cultural image and has injected new vitality into its economic and social development.

"We are a choir composed of retired workers. The average age of our members is 61, older than any other team, but we have the strongest affinity with the Yellow River and the warmest affections for the new era," said Cheng Hua, a chorus leader from Xi'an.

This year is notable as the 40th anniversary of Chinese Reform and Opening-up. By recounting the remarkable achievements of China, the chorus activity also means to extol the national spirit of tenacity, according to Li Peizhi, chairman of the China Chorus Association.

Unlike previous years, which featured only two classic movements of the Yellow River Cantata, this year's event offered up a feast for the senses by presenting all eight movements.

The Yellow River Cantata was written by Chinese composer Xian Xinghai to bolster morale and bond the country together during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).