On the evening of July 12, local time, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, the special event of the World Choir Games 2024, "Night of the Dragon Celebration Concert," was held. This concert marked the beginning of the 2024 "World Choir Events in the Belt and Road-World of the Voices "program.

The concert opened with a performance by the large joint choir "World Peace Singers," conducted by Chen Guanghui, the China representative of the World Choir Council and specially invited Artistic Director for this event. The choir performed "Tribute to Spring, Tribute to Choirs" and "Looking Back Again," earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

In his speech at the concert, INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the China International Friendship Cities Association for their strong support of the 2024 "World Choir Events in the Belt and Road- World of the Voices" during the World Choir Games in Auckland. President Titsch also sincerely thanked all choral enthusiasts for their dedication, passion, participation, and support in expanding the "World Choir Events in the Belt and Road-World of the Voices" to the world, aiming to achieve our shared mission and ideals: peace, friendship, cooperation, development, and vibrancy.

On behalf of the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Chen Shijie, attended the concert and delivered a speech. He emphasized the universal language of music and the heart-connecting nature of singing. He noted that the World Choir Games, as the largest choral event globally, has become a stage for singers from various countries to showcase their talents, a grand event for cultural exchanges, and a bridge to deepen friendships. Chen Shijie also shared the historical development of China-New Zealand relations over the past decade, highlighting the achievements of President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand and Premier Li Qiang's recent official visit. He concluded by expressing heartfelt wishes to all participating choirs, emphasizing the shared cultural harmony between China and New Zealand and the soul of choral art.

The first choir to perform during the concert was the "Qiantang Star" Children's Choir from Hangzhou, founded in 2010. These children from Hangzhou, under the direction of Li Guiyang, performed three songs: "Children's Dream," "Stars and Sea," and "Why Sing." Their diverse repertoire, superb singing skills, and extraordinary artistic charm have won them unanimous praise from choral experts and audiences in numerous international and domestic choral competitions and performances.

The second choir to perform was the Diocesan Boys' School Choir from Hong Kong. The members of this choir are selected from the best senior students of the school. They frequently perform and compete in Hong Kong and are often invited to perform at world-class venues such as the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing and the Royal Albert Hall in London for international youth choir festivals. Under the direction of Sun Zicheng, they performed three songs: "Winter," "Every Minute Needs You," and "A Red, Red Rose."

The final choir to perform was the Guangzhou Little Petrel Choir, a choir with a youthful and lovely name but a long history. Founded in 1978, the Guangzhou Little Petrel Choir has achieved significant results in children's choral music education in Guangdong over nearly half a century. They have been honored as "National Outstanding Choir" and "Guangdong Outstanding Choir." Under the direction of young conductor Diao Zhijun, they performed three songs with different styles: "Rainy Terrace," "Spring," and "Breath." Their encore performance of "Blue Night, Blue Dream" led to enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, bringing many overseas Chinese compatriots full of memories.

After the concert, many audience members expressed that they had heard many moving melodies and felt the power and charm of music. Each choir showcased different cultural styles, with their singing conveying love and friendship. The World Choir Games have made music a beautiful link connecting New Zealand, China, and the world.

On the evening of July 17, the second concert of the 2024 "World Choir Events in the Belt and Road- World of the Voices" will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland. The Shanghai Youth Choir, the Sacred Heart Canossian College Choir from Hong Kong, and the Futian Star Bright Choir from Shenzhen will perform with the "World Peace Singers" large joint choir, bringing a wonderful performance to the people of Auckland and choral enthusiasts from around the world.