On July 11th, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Concert Choir and BYU Women’s Choir visited Fujian Normal University (FNU) as part of the 2025 “Bond With Kuliang” China-U.S. Youth Choral Week. The event featured a vibrant musical exchange with the FNU College of Music Choir, highlighting the power of music to connect cultures.
Vice President Fang Qianhua, along with leaders from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and the College of Music, joined nearly one hundred faculty and student representatives in welcoming the American delegation.
During the performance, the FNU College of Music Choir presented two Chinese folk classics: the lyrical “Kangding Love Song” and the lively “Cuckoo Sings,” showcasing the elegance and vitality of traditional Chinese music. The BYU Concert Choir followed with a captivating a cappella performance of “Only in Sleep,” mesmerizing the audience with their refined harmonies. The BYU Women’s Choir then delivered an energetic rendition of “Heart of Kaleidoscope,” filling the hall with spirit and passion.
The conductors of the three choirs—Dr. Brent Wells, Dr. Sunya Bolt, and Associate Professor Ye Rong—took the stage together to discuss their artistic inspirations and shared love for choral music with students from both countries. The event reached an emotional peak as all three choirs joined voices to perform “Auld Lang Syne” in both Chinese and English, moving the audience to thunderous applause. The exchange concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts between the Chinese and American participants.
As a key participant in the choral week, the FNU College of Music Choir—comprising 46 students under the direction of conductor Ye Rong—was also invited to perform at the opening ceremony on July 10th. On the evening of July 11th, they took part in the “Harmony for Peace, Bond With Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival Gala Concert” at the Fujian Grand Theatre. Alongside more than ten outstanding choirs from both countries, including the BYU Concert Choir, BYU Women’s Chorus, Utah Valley University Choir, Mark Hubbard and the Voices, Hong Kong’s Creative Cadence Choir, and Liping County’s Grand Choir of Dong Ethnic Group from Guizhou, the FNU choir moved the audience with a performance that blended technical mastery with genuine emotional warmth.
Co-organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the People’s Government of Fujian Province, the 2025 “Bond With Kuliang” China-U.S. Youth Choral Week centered on the theme “Singing for Peace.” Through campus visits and artistic exchanges, the event built new bridges of friendship between Chinese and American youth, celebrating not only their musical talents but also the enduring spirit of the “Bond With Kuliang.” The gathering received coverage from several media outlets, including China Central Television (CCTV).
