Children's choir gives a voice to world peace

Young performers and project members in Israel during their world tour.

The idea of the song took root years ago as an important project for CPAFFC.

Li says since China is a vital part of the international community, the project will help improve relations between China and the rest of the world.

Ode to Peace was first performed in Beijing on Nov 11, 2015, marking the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

The lyrics, written by Li, address simple and direct messages about peace and harmony. Renowned Chinese musicians Zhao Jiping and Zhao Lin composed the music.

According to Li Xinyu, director of the research center for people-to-people diplomacy at CPAFFC, the conflict between Israel and Palestine makes the launch of the tour in that region special and meaningful.

The chorus, the brainchild of renowned Chinese conductor Yang Hongnian, has given over 1,000 performances in China and abroad since it was founded in 1983. Nearly 5,000 children who love to sing have been trained by the chorus.

Yang, 82, who conducts the chorus, says: "The five-day tour enabled us to get close to Israel and Palestine, which are mysterious and sacred places.

"But what impressed me most was the communication between the young students. They live in different cultures but share the same love for music," he says, referring to the interaction between the Chinese and Israeli students in Jerusalem.