The "Yellow River Cantata," which has inspired and uplifted generations of Chinese people, was magnificently performed on the evening of October 11, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at the York University Theatre in Toronto. This performance marked the 85th anniversary of its creation and dissemination, as well as the 75th anniversary of its overseas premiere in Toronto, Canada. The concert was jointly presented by the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir, the Tsinghua University Alumni Arts Troupe in Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra. Held on the eve of Thanksgiving, when the autumn leaves were ablaze with color, the concert played to a packed house. Both the audience and performers entered the theater with a deep sense of reverence and solemnity, to commemorate this masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Chinese artistic achievement, and to relive the patriotic spirit and resistance to protect the nation that this work evokes.

The performance was a tremendous success. Whether it was the opening piece "Boundless Land," presented by the P.E.N. Arts Academy Orchestra, the solemn and majestic "Ode to the Red Flag," which celebrates victory with grandeur, or the long-anticipated "Yellow River Cantata," with its tempestuous rush, evoking galloping horses and roaring waves, each piece was brought to life with the heartfelt interpretations of the artists and performers. The audience responded with sincere admiration and thunderous, prolonged applause. The performance also received high praise from professionals. From conductor Leo Li, to hosts Zhou Jing and Charles Chen, to the 58-member Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra led by Sue Christensen, to the narrator Zhang Jiping, reciter Zhang Ruiheng, baritone soloist Tang Hong, male duet singers Peng Xin and Li Baosong, soprano soloist Huang Yan, and the 80-member choir composed of the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir and Tsinghua Alumni Arts Troupe, everyone showcased exceptional professionalism and artistic quality, moving the audience deeply and stirring their emotions. Many were brought to tears by the powerful and stirring performance.

The commemorative concert received support and sponsorship from various individuals and organizations. It was also honored by a video message from Xian Nina, daughter of the great Chinese composer Xian Xinghai. Additionally, Mr. Cheng Hongbo, Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, attended the concert and delivered a warm speech, offering high praise for this historically significant event. Other distinguished guests included:

• Wang Zehua, Vice Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto

• Darryl Edwards, Vocal Professor at the University of Toronto, Artistic Director of the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy and Canada’s Centre for Opera Studies & Appreciation

• Zhang Jian, President of the Federation of Chinese Cultural and Artistic Organizations in Canada

• Zhang Wei, Vice President of the Federation of Chinese Cultural and Artistic Organizations in Canada, and Chairman of the Canadian Performing Arts Alliance Production Team

• Vincent Ke (Ke Wenbin), Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament and Assistant Minister of Ontario's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport

The concert concluded with both the audience and performers reluctant to part. The "Yellow River Cantata" is an eternal classic, embodying a spirit of perseverance and transcending time, inspiring the indomitable courage and strength to keep moving forward. May this great spirit continue to be passed on and flourish!