The China National Opera House was filled with music and applause as young voices from China and the United States united for the closing performance of the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival on July 16.

Among the many highlights of the evening was a joint performance by the Yuying Choir from Fuzhou No.16 Middle School and the One Voice Children's Choir from the U.S., who presented Kuliang! Kuliang!, a heartfelt piece that brought the melodies of the Minjiang River to the capital.

Wang Yi conducts the Yuying Choir from Fuzhou No.16 Middle School, Fujian province, during the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival. [Photo/FZ Evening News]

Held from July 9 to 18 across Fuzhou and Beijing, the festival united young voices from China and the U.S. to celebrate friendship through music. Under the direction of conductor Wang Yi, also head of the Yuying Choir, the Fuzhou students presented nearly 10 diverse choral works during the event.

At the final rehearsal before the closing concert, the Yuying Choir's performance captivated the entire production team. In a last-minute decision, the organizers invited all 41 members of the choir to take center stage for the finale."Originally, only a dozen members from each choir were scheduled to appear in that segment," Wang recalled. "This was a tremendous affirmation of our efforts."

Such recognition was hard-earned. Since late June, Wang Yi had led her students through intense rehearsals, meticulously preparing them to master a wide range of musical styles. Upon arriving in Beijing, the young singers felt nervous, facing top-tier choirs worldwide. Wang not only coached them musically but also helped them develop expression and confidence—guiding them to relax, stay grounded, and give their best on stage.

The St. Genevieve Valiant Voices, a U.S. choir, were deeply impressed by the performance. "Their voices were amazing! I truly loved their singing. From Fuzhou to Beijing, this has been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life," a member of the choir said. 

Over the span of two decades, Wang Yi's choral journey has been remarkable. Her leadership began with student choirs at Fuzhou No.16 Middle School in 2005, a school with roots tracing back to the Yuying Girls' School, founded by American missionaries in 1859. In 2014, Wang was entrusted with reviving the Yuying Choir—transforming it into an award-winning ensemble. 

Believing in the spirit of "harmony", Wang Yi strives to shape dozens of young voices into one unified, resonant sound—both ethereal and powerful. She has developed effective training methods tailored to the challenges of adolescence, helping her students overcome both technical and emotional obstacles.

Under her leadership, the Yuying Choir has not only tackled complex works, such as nine-part harmonies and a cappella arrangements, but also created original pieces rich in Fuzhou's local culture and Chinese heritage. The choir has received numerous accolades, including gold prizes at the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and the China International Chorus Festival. Wang herself has been honored with the "Outstanding Conductor Award" at the Brahms International Winter Choral Festival.

From regional stages to national recognition, the Yuying Choir's journey has been remarkable, but Wang dreams even bigger: to bring the voice of Yuying to the global stage."We look forward to seeing Wang Yi lead the Yuying Choir onto the global stage," said Lin Shuo, principal of Fuzhou No.16 Middle School. "Their music carries the rhythm of our times and the spirit of Fuzhou."