Standing atop the Canton Tower, on January 10, the youthful members of the One Voice Children's Choir from Utah joined local Chinese students in singing the Cantonese classic "Friends." This very moment, overlooking the sprawling cityscape, crystallized the purpose of their two-week journey across China: building connections through melody.
Young teens from One Voice Children's Choir sing with local students at the Canton Tower.
"This is my first time coming to China, and I love Guangzhou, and I just love the people here," shared Abbylynn, one of the 48 choir members aged 5 to 18 on the tour. Her sentiment was echoed throughout the group, for whom the trip marked a second consecutive year-end tour in China. The itinerary covered five cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and culminated in Guangzhou.
The choir's engagement went beyond performance. Interactions with local youth left a profound impact. "When we get to hang out with them, you can definitely see their personality shine, and just saying hi makes their day and makes our day," observed Zack, another member of the group. He reflected on the universal power of music: "I think it's so inspiring that just a phrase or a song can inspire so many people."
One Voice Children's Choir members take photos of night views on a night cruise in Guangzhou.
For many, the experience highlighted both cultural uniqueness and shared humanity. "I think it's just crazy how different two separate parts of the world can be, but yet still be so connected. It's just so amazing," Zack added, commenting on the vibrant city life. Abbylynn noted the contrast with her home state: "We don't really have this many high technologies in Utah. And so it's just really cool to see the beautiful landscape in the cities."
The theme of friendship, central to their final performance in Guangzhou, resonated deeply. "I think friendship can be so powerful. Friendships, I think, can span over oceans," said Cody, emphasizing the tour's broader significance. "To help build our friendship with China, with America and China, I think it's wonderful."
Originally formed as the 2002 Winter Olympic Children's Choir in Salt Lake City by composer Masa Fukuda, the group has evolved from a one-time Olympic performance into a global nonprofit movement. Their vision, as stated in their materials, is to create "a world where children lead with kindness, empathy, and purpose," and to amplify youth voices on international platforms.
One Voice Children's Choir members perform a song on the upper deck of a Pearl River cruise ship.
The Guangzhou leg featured symbolic gestures. Abbylynn celebrated a birthday during the visit, sharing, "I have had my birthday song sung to me. I've gotten some presents for my friends." The tour concluded with a serene night cruise on the Pearl River, where the choir performed their original song "We Are Together," a fitting finale to a journey centered on unity.
Reflecting on the final show, Zack described a "bittersweet" feeling. The tour's end, however, signifies not a closure but a sustained note in an ongoing exchange. By "giving kids the opportunity to reach and move global audiences with their music," as per the choir's mission, this initiative demonstrates how artistic collaboration can nurture mutual understanding between the youth of both nations, one shared song at a time.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo & Video: Guo Hongda
Video cover: Guo Hongda
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, Ouyang Yan, Shen He, Ou Xiaoming
