At the first New Year concert in Hebei, the Great Wall Youth Orchestra also performed the classic Italian song, “O Sole Mio,“ and a pop song by contemporary American musicians, using Chinese folk instruments.

　　At another concert, typical festival songs, including “Blooming Flowers and the Full Moon“ and “Spring Festival Overture,“ were performed by the orchestra alongside their Chinese counterparts from the School of Music at Shijiazhuang University, creating a jubilant atmosphere shared by all in attendance.

　　Over the years, the orchestra has toured many U.S. cities, including New York and Los Angeles, Siu said, adding that its members' different cultural backgrounds make it easier for their ethnically diverse listeners to accept Chinese music and culture.

　　Tyler Daniel Thompson is one of the orchestra's star vocalists and has been learning Chinese songs and operas with the group since the age of four. “When I try to go to my community and sing Chinese opera, people there can feel Chinese culture even though they may not fully understand the meaning of the lyrics,“ the 29-year-old African American said.

　　He believes that the Great Wall Youth Orchestra is trying to help more people understand Chinese culture and integrate it into their life through music. “We can bring people together through a lot of different mediums. Music is definitely one of them,“ Thompson said.■

　　Members of the Great Wall Youth Orchestra prepare for the New Year concert in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Meiqi)