From August 18th to 31st 2013, the World Peace Choir toured to China first time successfully. The stops and performance places include major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Jinan, Chongqing etc. More than 40 young artists from Austria, Australia, Estonia, India, Malaysia and China, dressing beautiful national costumes, sang together for world peace and received overwhelmingly enthusiastic responses from Chinese audience and media. In front of fulfilled concert halls such as the Oriental Art Center in Shanghai (1900 seats), Beijing Music Hall (1200 seats), and the open air concert at the 10th China Art Festival in Jinan, they presented both classical and folk music, such as "die Forelle" (Franz Schubert), "Coming together to sing, singing for a better future" (Theme Song of the World Peace Choral Festival, composed by Gerald Wirth), O Happy Day, Hoya Ho (traditional African song), Licht in den Ohren (Gottfried von Einem), and Alleluja (William Boyce) and won applauses.
 

The choir was guided by its artistic director Mr. Gerald Wirth, who is also the artistic director of the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir. Organizers and sponsors of the tour are the Organization for Promoting World Music and Arts Education, Uniart Universal Culture & Media Co., Ltd. Beijing, Masters International, Eastvision, Foundation of Future China etc. The special supports were given by the Vienna Boys Choir, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Art and Culture, embassy of the Republic of Austria in China, embassy of Australia in China, embassy of the Republic of Estonia in China, embassy of Malaysia in China, embassy of India in China.
 

Dr Heinz Fischer, the president of the Federal Republic of Austria, sent his greeting to the choir and said  "I am proudly supporting the World Peace Choral Festival, which takes place in Vienna each year in summer, I am especially pleased that the World Peace Choir launches its first China tour this summer, when the young choristers from Austria, Australia, Malaysia, India and Estonia are travelling to various Chinese cities in order to share their passion for music with their fellow artists and the audience. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity for the participating children to share experiences, explore new cultures and build up friendships".
  

Prof. Brigitte Weissengruber, the director of the music education at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Art and Culture said "I feel honored to support the World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna every year. The tour to China means a lot! The children receive rich experiences while the international culture exchange and understanding are greatly promoted".
 

Mr Li Liguo, board member of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries was impressed by the concert in Beijing and said "it's pretty meaningful that the China-Tour does not only advocate world peace, but also popularizes choral art". Prof. Yang Hongnian, one of the most famous choral masters in China pointed out "The performance of World Peace Choir has a first-class level, with three standards of diversified singing skills, different styles and various types. Its performance is vivid, touches the hearts and causes great resonance of the audience". Prof. Xu Xiyi, the chairman of CHORUS-CHINA, also gave high appraisal.
 

The World Peace Choir is an non-profit and intercultural choral project, which aims to unite and inspire children and youths around the world through the beauty and joy of music. The World Peace Choir (WPC) was established under the auspices of the World Peace Choral Festival and is coached by its artistic director Gerald Wirth who is also the artistic director of the Vienna Boys' Choir. The World Peace Choral Festival is held annually in Vienna every summer and aims to provide a platform for children and young generation of different countries to perform, communicate and to create a better intercultural understanding. In the course of the festival, the Artistic Committee under the leadership of Gerald Wirth selects particularly gifted singers for the World Peace Choir.
 

"Coming Together to Sing, Singing for a Better Future"! The World Peace Choir will continue its tours to different countries and cities in the future.

For more information please visit: www.wpcf.at