East–West concert honors war's victims

A concert in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War was held on Thursday at the Royal College of Music in London.

The event featured performances by Hunan Province Song and Dance Theater and New Elements Music, a United Kingdom-based classical music ensemble consisting of young Chinese artists, with guest performers from the London City Orchestra and the Camden Philharmonia Orchestra.

Under the theme "Honor History for a Better Future", the event presented 10 performances of classics from both the East and West, with their melodies symbolizing wartime resilience and inspiring hope, for more than 300 guests.

"During the war, the Chinese people fought heroically, made huge national sacrifices, and defeated the Japanese aggressors. The Chinese people and the British people fought shoulder to shoulder as allies, made great contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and helped to establish a new international order," said China's Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang in his speech at the event.

"Tonight, we will use music to remember that part of history, and honor those who laid down their lives for the cause of the justice of humanity. We will use music to express our aspiration for world peace as well as our resolute commitment to striving for a better shared future for mankind," he said.

Household pieces in China, including the solo piano rendition of Ode to the Yellow River and the choral performance of Defend the Yellow River, evoked memories of the wartime years when the Chinese people stood resolute against Japanese fascism.