From October 29, 2025 to October 30, 2025, the "Voices for Peace: Korea-China Ties" Music Concert, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Korea China Association for Cultural Exchange, was held in Daegu and Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea. The music concert featured performances by the Jiaxing Dachao Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yu Lu, offering South Korean audiences a rich musical experience that harmoniously blended Chinese and international cultural elements.
During the music concert in Chungcheongnam-do, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Chen Jing, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and President of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do, and Qu Huan, President of the Korea China Association for Cultural Exchange, and local representatives from politics, business, and academia, attended the music concert. Together, they enjoyed the performance at the Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Arts Center, where nearly 2,000 audience members attended, filling the venue to capacity with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The music concert's program showcased both cultural diversity and artistic depth. The opening piece, "Torch Festival" captured the joyful spirit of China's ethnic minority celebrations and their vibrant folk traditions. "Namdo Arirang", a beloved South Korean classic, evoked deep emotion and cultural pride among local audiences. A highlight of the evening came from suona virtuoso Liu Wenwen, whose performance of "Hundreds of Birds Worshipping the Phoenix" displayed stunning technique and expressive artistry, captivating many South Korean listeners who were hearing the instrument for the first time. In the second half, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 ("Fate") brought the concert to a thrilling climax. Conductor Yu Lu and the orchestra delivered a compelling performance that conveyed the iconic motifs of destiny, dramatic conflict, and the triumphant pursuit of light. The universal power of music transcending language and borders resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with prolonged applause. Many attendees described the music concert as "a harmony between nations" and "a joyful voice among family members". Several also said the event deepened their appreciation for Chinese traditional music and expressed hope that more China-ROK cultural exchange events could be held in South Korea in the future.
The "Korea-China Ties" series is a signature cultural initiative jointly launched by the CPAFFC and the Korea China Association for Cultural Exchange. Previous events have included the "China Culture Competition", "Creative Entrepreneurship Innovation Competition", and "Tea and Wine Connection". This "Voices for Peace: Korea-China Ties" Music Concert carried forward the spirit of the series, further enriching the forms of China-ROK cultural exchange. It served as a new bridge for deepening mutual understanding, strengthening people-to-people bonds, and enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
