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In a spectacular tribute to World Theatre Day, the Music and Love hosted a celebration on April 5th that brought the profound beauty of Chinese opera to life at WanDa Plaza. The event was led by spirited young volunteers who delivered eloquent English presentations on China’s most iconic theatrical traditions: Huangmei, Peking, Yue, Pingju, and Sichuan Opera. Following each insightful introduction, the stage transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and sound as professional actors performed classic excerpts, their graceful movements and powerful vocals turning the children’s narratives into a breathtaking reality. This seamless blend of youthful storytelling and masterful performance created a bridge between the ancient soul of China and the global stage. By interpreting these centuries-old art forms through a modern lens, these children demonstrated that culture is not a static museum piece, but a living, breathing flame. Through the harmony of "Music and Love," we were reminded that when we share our stories and our songs, we speak a universal language that transcends time and unites the world in a single, standing ovation. (Reported by Allie Rui)
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On April 5th, the Music and Love hosted an inspiring English Speech Competition centered on the architectural wonders of the Shenyang Imperial Palace. The young orators took the stage with remarkable poise, delivering vivid descriptions of historical landmarks such as Qingning Palace, Yongfu Palace, the majestic Dazheng Hall, and the stately Chongzheng Hall. Their voices breathed fresh life into ancient walls, bridging the gap between traditional Chinese history and modern English expression. Following the speeches, the atmosphere turned festive as the children performed spirited renditions of the songs "Bingo" and "Proud of You," filling the room with melody and joy before receiving their well-earned certificates from the judging panel. This event was more than a test of language proficiency; it was a celebration of cultural confidence. By narrating the stories of their heritage in a global tongue and singing with such heartfelt enthusiasm, these children demonstrated that they are not just students, but young ambassadors of culture. In the harmony of "Music and Love," we see that when the wisdom of the past meets the vibrant energy of the future, it creates a universal language that resonates far beyond the palace walls. (Reported by Allie Rui)
On April 4th, the Music and Love hosted a vibrant Awards Ceremony for the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Creative Competition, weaving together tradition and international friendship at WanDa Plaza. The day began with an immersive workshop led by Ms. Dong Yan, a master of Paper-Cutting, where children meticulously hand-crafted intricate paper models of Shenyang’s iconic cultural landmarks. This creative energy transitioned into a series of vivid presentations, as the young participants took turns narrating the history of the Shenyang Imperial Palace, bringing the halls of Dazheng, Chongzheng, and the heights of the Phoenix Tower to life with their own voices. After a heartwarming viewing of two performance videos from children in the United States, the event culminated in a joyful awards presentation. Ultimately, this gathering proved that when children touch history with their hands and share it with their hearts, heritage ceases to be a relic of the past and becomes a living, breathing bridge. Through the "Music and Love" initiative, these young ambassadors demonstrated that while our cultural roots are unique, the spirit of creativity is a universal language that unites us all across borders. (Reported by Allie Rui)
On March 8th, in honor of Volunteer Day, the China chapter of Music and Love had an incredible opportunity to share the beauty of the Shenyang Imperial Palace with the world. A dedicated team of seven volunteers, ranging from elementary school to university students, served as bilingual guides at the palace’s most historic landmarks, including Chongzheng Hall (the Hall of Supreme Justice), Wensu Pavilion (the Imperial Library), and the Ten King Pavilions, providing insightful English commentary that bridged the gap between ancient history and a modern global audience. It wasn’t just about reciting facts; it was about being young ambassadors for our culture and connecting our city’s ancient stories with a global audience. The most moving part of the day was a special performance by Qianmiao, a talented fifth-grader from the Shenyang School for the Blind. As she played the guitar and the hulusi (cucurbit flute), the music seemed to bring the old palace walls to life. Her talent reminded all of us that music truly has no barriers and that everyone has a unique gift to share. This event taught us that being a volunteer is about more than just giving our time; it’s about using our voices and our hearts to build a more inclusive world where history and music bring people together. (Reported by Allie Rui)
What an incredible day! Music and Love China Chapter and the Volunteer Association hosted a huge Speech Contest and Awards Ceremony. The hall was buzzing with excitement as every contestant stepped onto the stage to tell the story of Shenyang. We didn’t just talk; we brought our city’s thousands of years of history to life! From the ancient palaces to the modern skyline, everyone used their own style to show why Shenyang is so special. The judges looked at four big things: our story content, how we spoke, our emotions, and how we performed on stage. When the awards for "Best Creativity" and "Best Expression" were handed out, the whole room cheered! It was so much more than just a competition; it was a way for us to protect and share our culture. Through our poems and speeches, the city’s ancient treasures really started to shine in a whole new way. I’m so proud that our voices are helping the world fall in love with Shenyang! (Reported by Allie Rui)
Happy New Year, everyone! This week was absolutely incredible. Our Music and Love China Chapter teamed up with the Volunteer Association to host a super special concert called "Falling in Love with This City." The energy was electric right from the start! The show kicked off with a Dragon Dance performed by some amazing kids from the Down Syndrome community. Watching that colorful dragon soar through the air made everyone feel the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year immediately! But we weren't just there to play music. We were there to be "history detectives" too! Students gave a trilingual (English, Chinese, and Spanish) presentation about their beautiful city, Shenyang. Did you know that the Shenyang Imperial Palace is over 400 years old? It’s like a giant maze of red walls and golden tiles! They also talked about the "star" of the Shenyang Museum—the Golden Mask. It’s thousands of years old, and so shiny looking that it feels like you're staring straight into the eyes of history. After the history tour, the stage turned into a party! They had singing and dancing. They wanted to show everyone that music and love can connect people of all ages and backgrounds. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a way to show how much we love the city and its stories. Can't wait for our next adventure! (Reported by Allie Rui)
This Valentine's Day, our Music and Love Shenyang branch had the incredible opportunity to team up with the Little Sea Turtle Special Education School for a day filled with art and music. As a student-led organization, our mission is to bridge cultures through the universal language of music and foster a sense of social responsibility through China-U.S. youth collaboration. The day started with a one-on-one painting session. Each of us, middle and high school volunteers, was paired with a child from the school. Even though some of the children with autism don't speak much, we found a way to "talk" through our paintbrushes. Seeing their bright, creative ideas come to life on canvas was honestly the best part of the morning. Later, we took our celebration to WanDa Plaza. We set up an art gallery to show off the kids' amazing paintings to the public. But the real highlight was the performance stage! We sang and danced right alongside the children, showing everyone that music truly has no boundaries. A really cool moment was when we all gathered to watch a special video on the big screen of students in the U.S. performing for us. Even though we are thousands of miles apart, it felt like we were all one big team. This experience taught us that being a "global leader" isn't just a title—it’s about having the compassion to serve others. We are so proud to use music and art to bring our communities and our two countries a little closer together. (Reported by Allie Rui)
On January 3, the Music and Love China Chapter hosted a special event dedicated to sharing the beauty and spirit of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage with the community. Through music, movement, and hands-on art, the event celebrated the richness of traditional Chinese culture while fostering connection, understanding, and joy. The program featured a vibrant series of performances by talented young artists. Audiences were captivated by the dramatic artistry of Sichuan Opera Face-Changing, the strength and discipline of Chinese martial arts, and the grace of ethnic minority dances that reflected China’s cultural diversity. A powerful Peking Opera performance showcased the depth of traditional Chinese theater, while a unique hulusi and piano ensemble beautifully blended traditional Chinese folk instruments with Western classical music, symbolizing cultural harmony and exchange. The event concluded with a heartwarming interactive activity: paper cutting. Children gathered together to learn and create this traditional folk art, transforming red paper into symbols of hope, happiness, and good fortune. Laughter, creativity, and collaboration filled the room as culture came alive in their hands. This event was more than a performance—it was a meaningful cultural experience. By introducing traditional art forms in an engaging and accessible way, Music and Love continues its mission to use the arts as a bridge between generations and cultures, spreading love, respect, and understanding through creativity. Music and Love is proud to support the preservation and global sharing of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, and we look forward to continuing this journey of cultural connection and impact. (Reported by Allie Rui)
On January 2nd, Music and Love proudly co-hosted the “Fall in Love with This City” Concert in collaboration with Dream Education. The event brought together music, storytelling, and cultural learning, offering the audience a unique and meaningful artistic experience. Throughout the concert, young musicians not only presented a variety of musical performances, but also shared stories behind some of the city’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. Between performances, the children introduced the history and significance of the Forbidden City, the Marshal Zhang’s Mansion (Shuaifu), and the Xinle Archaeological Site. Their stories added depth and context to the music, helping the audience see the city through both sound and history. As the music played and the stories unfolded, the concert became more than a traditional performance. It turned into a journey—one that invited the audience to explore the city’s past, understand its cultural roots, and feel a deeper emotional connection to the place they call home. The children on stage demonstrated not only musical talent, but also confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of cultural pride. By combining performance with storytelling, they showed how music can serve as a bridge between history and the present, inspiring young people to learn, reflect, and share. Music and Love is grateful to Dream Education for their partnership in making this concert possible. Together, we hope to continue creating opportunities where young people can express themselves, connect with their community, and truly fall in love with their city through music and storytelling. (Reported by Allie Rui)
On January 1st, Music and Love co-hosted a heartfelt New Year Celebration with a Volunteer Association, welcoming the new year through music, movement, and shared joy. What made this celebration especially meaningful was that every performer on stage was a member of an inclusive performing arts group made up of individuals with intellectual disabilities. As the performers stepped onto the stage in matching costumes, the room quickly filled with excitement. One dance followed another, each filled with energy, focus, and pride. Smiles spread across the audience as the performers moved together with confidence and joy, reminding everyone present that the stage belongs to anyone who dares to share their heart through art. Between the live performances, Music and Love shared video highlights of performances by our young musicians. These videos were shown not only to the audience, but also to the performers themselves. As the music played, the room grew quiet and attentive, and then warm with smiles and applause. Though the performers were not physically present, the music created a powerful connection—an exchange of encouragement, respect, and inspiration across communities. This moment captured the true spirit of the event. Music and Love was not simply presenting performances, but building a bridge through music—one that connects young musicians with artists of different abilities, and audiences with performers whose talents deserve to be seen and celebrated. The New Year Celebration became more than a festive gathering. It was a shared experience of inclusion, dignity, and hope, and a reminder that music has the power to bring people together in the most human and meaningful way. As we begin the new year, Music and Love remains committed to creating inclusive spaces where every voice matters, every talent is valued, and love is expressed through the universal language of music. (Reported by Allie Rui)
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