The Silicon Valley Arts Center (ArtsSV) held the “Night of Music, Hope, and Love” concert at the De Anza College Performing Arts Center on December 7th (last Sunday). The performance focused on three timeless operas from different centuries, taking the audience on a spiritual journey interwoven with love, courage, and the brilliance of human nature. The event was packed with no empty seats, and applause filled the venue continuously.
The concert brought together 24 vocalists from Philadelphia, Massachusetts, Sacramento, and the Bay Area, showcasing excerpts from “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, “Les Misérables”, and “La Bohème”.
The concert also announced the launch of the “Arts for Social Impact Fund”, where all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to local non-profit organizations focusing on “youth mental health”, selected by the board of directors and major donors.
Executive Director Chai Xiumei told Dajiyuan that the three performances convey the spirit of “hope, love, and forgiveness”, particularly fitting for the Christmas atmosphere. “Life is inherently tough, but with kindness and goodness in hearts, there is hope in life,” she said, hoping that through performances, more young people can pursue their artistic dreams.
Program Director Chen Zhengfen told reporters that opera roles are divided similarly to Chinese opera, each with its own vocal range, and the team spent nearly three months preparing for the concert. She hopes that through the performance, they can bring Chinese-speaking audiences closer to opera, stating that “opera combines music, stage, art, and drama, representing the pinnacle of Western art.” She added that true opera involves accompaniment by a group of over forty musicians, allowing singers’ voices to fill the entire venue, combined with harmonies, staging, and props, creating a beautiful artistic experience.
Marketing Director Dong Xiaowen expressed that this event was a full house, marking the first attempt in the Bay Area to showcase the essence of three operas in one performance. The themes of hope, love, and friendship, along with the presence of professional and semi-professional singers on stage, naturally attracted a large audience. She mentioned that the community is highly concerned about youth mental health, and the combination of art and charity adds more significance to the event.
Sponsor Lin Wenjing, a lawyer, mentioned that in the busy modern society, music can bring people together and provide healing power. She hoped that this event could inspire the younger generation, stating that “classics endure for a hundred years for a reason. Those who appreciate music are more likely to find their life direction.” Sponsor Hu Limin also expressed how touched he was that the Chinese community could come together to create high-quality concerts and show care for the underprivileged. He said, “Spreading positive energy through music is why I am willing to support it.”
Engineer and opera actor Ye Xueli, who has been singing at the California Opera House for nearly eight years, shared that opera is a source of emotional release and deep resonance for him. He felt like he entered a world of “the more you learn, the more you love” after stepping into the opera scene.
Director of the San Francisco Office, Wu Zhixiang, also attended the event and praised the high performance level that successfully captured the hearts of all audience members. He mentioned that the event facilitated interaction and communication between the Taiwanese community and mainstream society, allowing Taiwanese people to participate in the mainstream while showcasing Taiwanese culture to the wider audience.