Children's choir gives a voice to world peace

Singers from the Children and Young Women's Chorus of the China National Symphony Orchestra perform during their trip to Israel and Palestine in September. Photos provided to China Daily

Twenty-six child singers from China recently performed at Tel Aviv University in Israel and at the Palestine Red Crescent Society Theater. Chen Nan reports.

Ode to Joy, a poem written in 1785 by German poet Friedrich Schiller and best known for its use in the final movement of Symphony No 9 by Beethoven in 1824, celebrates the changing of anguish into joy and conflict into harmony.

Inspired by the piece and with the hope of promoting world peace, a Chinese song, Ode to Peace, was released by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. It's staging a world tour, which kicked off from Israel and Palestine in September.

Twenty-six child singers from the Children and Young Women's Chorus of the China National Symphony Orchestra, ranging in age from 11 to 16, performed the song at Tel Aviv University in Israel and at the Palestine Red Crescent Society Theater, between Sept 25 and 29, along with other Chinese folk songs, including Dance of Youth and Jasmine Flower.

"Music is a unique, universal language that can help people from different nations, races and cultures to understand and respect one another," says Li Xiaolin, president of CPAFFC, who initiated the project. "We believe that the tour will help enhance mutual understanding and friendship among different nations."

She adds that the world tour will continue until next year.

The association also plans to take the show to the United Nations.