On the evening of April 23rd, at 7 p.m., the Christ University in Houston welcomed the “Sound of Taiwan Choir” from Taiwan. The concert was sponsored with a generous donation of $100,000 from Chairman Wu Wenlong of Hengfeng Bank. Among the attendees were officials such as Director Xiao Yifang, her husband Director Liyanfeng of the Chicago Economic and Cultural Office, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Chen Meifen, Liu Xiumei, Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Commissioner Zheng Zhao, Gan Youpin, Mou Chenghua, Kim from the South Korean Consulate, mainstream political representatives, honorary overseas Chinese affairs officers, community leaders, and hundreds of other distinguished guests.
Xiao Yifang expressed gratitude towards Chairman Wu Wenlong for his generous support, allowing overseas compatriots and local residents the opportunity to enjoy this musical feast. She emphasized that through these cultural exchanges, Taiwan can showcase its musical and artistic side, in addition to its renowned cuisine, to the world. Chairman Wu Wenlong commended the choir’s performance, stating that it was moving and had the potential to elevate Taiwanese music onto the international stage. He expressed his hope that audiences in the southern United States would appreciate and acknowledge the talent of this exceptional group. This event not only promoted Taiwanese culture but also served as a channel to introduce Taiwan to the international community.
In the presence of Xiao Yifang, a $100,000 sponsorship check was presented to the vice chairman of the Sound of Taiwan Choir, Huang Shaohua.
The Choir’s Artistic Director, Li Zheyi, introduced the Sound of Taiwan Choir, a group that values Taiwanese music and culture. They focus on performing two genres of music: compositions by Taiwanese composers and original pieces incorporating elements of Taiwanese culture. Through a unique blend of classical music styles, they aim to evoke the deep emotions and beauty of the land during their performances. The evening’s repertoire was divided into three categories: traditional folk songs from various Taiwanese ethnic groups, early Taiwanese ballads and folksongs such as “Grasshoppers Playing with Roosters,” “The Rain Deity Falls into Water,” “Green Island Serenade,” “The Moon Represents My Heart,” as well as classic American songs like “We are the World” and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”
The choir is currently on a tour across the U.S. and Canada, starting from Seattle and Vancouver, then moving on to Houston before heading to Boston and concluding with a performance in New York. The Houston concert, made possible by Chairman Wu Wenlong’s sponsorship, was free for the overseas Chinese community to attend. Through music, attendees were able to alleviate their homesickness for Taiwan and introduce more mainstream friends to the beauty of Taiwanese music.