China-Russia Hand-in-Hand Youth Choir Dazzles at Russia National Center

On May 10, the China-Russia Hand-in-Hand Youth Choir staged a performance at the Russia National Center. (Photo/RUSSIA EXPO)

On the evening of May 10, as twilight bathed Moscow in golden light, the Russia National Center glowed brilliantly amid thunderous applause. A musical extravaganza jointly performed by Chinese and Russian youth commenced under the eager anticipation of the audience. Forty young performers from both nations paid tribute to the historic victory over fascism with their timeless voices, harmonizing a future anthem of unity for the new era.

The choir comprised 40 members: 10 Chinese university students selected by Shenyang Conservatory of Music, 10 primary school students from Shanghai Youth Activity Center, and 20 Russian youths from Vladivostok and Izhevsk.

The performance unfolded in four chapters:"The Great Victory","Childhood Dreams","Peace and Happiness",and"Building a Bright Future Together".The repertoire blended songs commemorating the anti-fascist struggle and modern themes, reflecting the younger generation’s shared aspiration for peace and global justice.

The opening chorus of "Katyusha" ignited the audience’s nostalgia with its iconic melody, sung with clarity and emotion. Chinese wartime classics like"The Ballad of the Great Wall","Nanniwan","Song of the Guerrillas", and"On the Taihang Mountains"vividly reenacted the heroic resistance against invaders. Russian anthems such as "Cranes" and "Victory Day" honored Soviet sacrifices during the Great Patriotic War, underscoring the nations’ wartime camaraderie.

On May 10, the China-Russia Hand-in-Hand Youth Choir staged a performance at the Russia National Center. (Photo/RUSSIA EXPO)

In the second chapter, Shanghai pupils delivered a delicate rendition of "Jasmine Flower", while Russian performers energized the stage with the folk song "Kalinka". The Chinese anthem "Youth" roared with the vigor of a generation chasing dreams.

The third chapter featured "Moscow Nights", painting a serene Russian countryside, and "China in the Lights", a grand ode to the nation’s prosperity. The finale "Mother" and "On the Field of Hope" crescendoed into a hopeful chorus, with Chinese and Russian youths hand-in-hand, their voices radiating optimism.

Russian spectators, visibly moved, erupted in rhythmic applause and chanted "Ura!" during "Katyusha" and "SongVictory Day". The theater transformed into a sea of synchronized clapping and tearful cheers.

"Following the light of ideals, my faith grows stronger," sang Chinese youth in "Chasing Light", bringing tears to Leila Badanova of the Russian Volunteer Centers Union. "Their voices carry such patriotic fervor and pride—it’s the sound of China’s youth marching toward their dreams," she remarked, moved by the cross-border resonance of ideals.

As the final note faded, the choir bowed hand-in-hand, met with a standing ovation. Many members wept, clinging to one another long after the curtain fell.

"Though we’ve only known each other for days, it feels like a lifetime," said Sha Yuxin from Shenyang Conservatory. "We promised to reunite in Beijing this September!"

"Parting isn’t an end, but a new chapter for friendship," reflected Wang Zhichao, another student. "This journey was more than a cultural exchange—it was a spiritual awakening."

Shanghai pupil Feng Shuya added, "Singing with Chinese and Russian friends made me realize our bond is as warm as the songs we shared."

"Music is a universal language, a bridge between hearts," said Chinese conductor Chen Simeng. "Through these young voices, we plant seeds of peace and hope, nurturing the future of China-Russia friendship."

By Fu Rui and Yuan Ye/China Youth Daily

来源：中国青年报客户端