Bridging cultures via power of music

If you've ever had a friendship so profound that the connection is beyond language itself, the Chinese concept zhiyin may strike a chord. It describes a musician whose friends could hear him play and know his exact intention and emotions.

Performers brought the Chinese concept to life at a cross-cultural concert at the Chinese Consulate General in New York on Friday.

Consul General Chen Li used the term during his remarks at the event that brought together musicians from the two countries.

"In Chinese, we use the term zhiyin to describe soulmate, which literally means one who understands each other through music. Young people in both China and the US yearn for success, pursue happiness, and share a deep curiosity about the world. I hope today's event can help you find your zhiyin," Chen explained.

The event, titled "Echoes Across the Ocean: A China-US songfest", aimed to foster cultural exchange and people-to-people ties, where the young musicians performed songs from each other's cultures.

"The future of the China-US relationship lies in the youth," Chen said. "No matter how the world changes, I hope the bond between our young people remains strong, and our desire to be zhiyin stays unchanged."

The concert opened with a US singer's rendition of I Love You, China, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia among overseas Chinese. Popular songs from both countries, including Over the Rainbow, Close to You, and The Moon Represents My Heart, were also performed.

Hopeful vision

Over 130 guests joined in singing the concert's grand finale, a bilingual rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Attendees were then invited to bond over hanfu, a traditional Chinese attire, and Chinese tea, aimed at deepening cultural exchange and sharing a hopeful vision for the future in the spirit of spring.

Clark Wu, an undergraduate from Yale University and a member of a cappella group The Spizzwinks, performed several Chinese songs on stage. He told China Daily about when his group toured China.

"I think people really got into learning, even just a little bit of Chinese."

"Music is an easy way to unite people, and also I think it's just nice to see on a more ordinary-people-to-ordinary-people level that these kinds of exchanges still happen, because I think it is very important in this day and age," he added.

Carly Beth, a performer from New York state, expressed her enthusiasm for Chinese culture.

"My Chinese isn't perfect, but I really love to speak in Chinese and connect with all Chinese people all over the world," she told China Daily, adding that events like this help promote cultural exchange.

"(This event is) like a bridge between cultures, and I feel like since in America there are so many Chinese people, I feel like we need more events like connecting both cultures, because I don't think enough Americans realize how awesome China is and Chinese people, and how awesome the culture can be."