In the vibrant autumn of 2024, on September 25th, the New Jersey Philharmonic Choir, under the leadership of Ms. Hu Weiwei and conductor/artistic director Mr. Yu Shenghua, embraced its mission of “serving the community” by delivering a meticulously prepared and high-quality performance for the seniors at the Warm Senior Center in Lawrenceville.
The concert began with a lively performance of the Anse waist drum, a distinctive feature of the New Jersey Philharmonic Choir, which instantly elevated the atmosphere of the venue, transporting everyone to the scenic Shaanbei Plateau. Following this energetic opening, the audience was treated to a rich tapestry of entertainment, including choral performances, vocal ensembles, traditional and modern dances, erhu solos, and Peking opera arias, all of which kept the audience, consisting of seniors and staff from the center, clapping and laughing with delight. The entire performance radiated warmth and joy, showering the seniors with love and blessings. The praise and recognition from the center and its residents were the greatest rewards for the choir members’ hard work, filling their hearts with joy.
Notably, the choir members performed a well-known piece by the esteemed composer Shi Guangnan, titled “Let’s Sing and Play the Drums.” This performance garnered high praise from Mrs. Hong Ruding, Shi’s wife, who expressed her emotional gratitude, saying she was thrilled to hear her late husband’s work in New Jersey. She sincerely thanked the choir for their nearly professional rendition. As a token of appreciation, she presented the choir with a recently published collection of 50 piano scores by Shi.
The New Jersey Philharmonic Choir showcased its commitment to community service by holding three similar charity performances in September alone. Choir members enthusiastically volunteered for each event, reflecting their dedication and compassion.
Founded by soprano Ms. Hu Weiwei, the choir is currently conducted by Dr. Yu Shenghua, with piano accompaniment by Dr. Zhang Bingbing. The choir operates on the principles of “enriching the heart through music, making friends through melody, and serving the community.” It brings together music enthusiasts from various backgrounds, performing choral works in different languages and styles from different eras. This initiative not only highlights the charm of choral music but also allows members to enjoy the harmony and collective joy it brings. Through shared experiences and mutual learning, the choir fosters a familial warmth, enhancing everyone’s musical literacy and strengthening community bonds.
