The Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) welcomed the Guangdong Experimental High School Choir (SSC) in New York on Sept. 30, as the two choirs began a 10-day exchange two years after YPC visited Guangdong.
SSC members arrive in New York City for a visit.
At a welcome ceremony that evening, singers from the two choirs exchanged gifts and shared the stage for the first time during the visit. Francisco J. Núñez, founder and artistic director of YPC, said the singers would spend the next 10 days rehearsing, performing around New York and getting to know one another.
"They will learn each other's songs; we will learn each other's language and, most importantly, we will learn each other's names," Núñez said. "It's not about sounding the same—it's about different voices choosing to make harmony."
Marc Suskin, YPC Chairman of the Board, also recalled his own experience of singing in China. About 25 years ago, he spent two weeks there with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, an a cappella group. He described sharing music with his Chinese hosts as one of the most important musical experiences of his life.
Cynthia Hornig, representing New York City Council Member Gale Brewer, said it was especially meaningful to see the two groups working together. She also described YPC as an important resource for young people on New York's Upper West Side. Brewer's office also presented recognition to the two choirs for their participation in the New York-Guangdong World Bay Area Choral Dialogue.
The 51-member SSC delegation is in New York to continue the exchange that began with YPC's visit to Guangdong. Quan Hanyan, principal of the Guangdong Experimental High School Education Group, said the visit would further the two choirs' artistic exchange.
Earlier that day, YPC representatives welcomed the SSC delegation at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The students later visited Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, before meeting YPC singers for a joint rehearsal in the afternoon.
Over the next few days, the two choirs will also perform together at major New York venues. On the afternoon of Oct. 3 local time, SSC and YPC will perform at Lincoln Center, followed by another joint performance at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater on Oct. 4.
Reporter | Yao Jingsen
Photo | Guangdong Experimental High School Choir (SSC)
