Sharing Care Through Song
At the initiative of the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation, the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus once again brought music into the community, offering a volunteer performance for seniors and sharing care through song.
On April 25, 2026, ten choir members visited Vancouver Granville Gardens Retirement Residence and performed two beloved choral pieces – Cruising Down the River and The Sound of Music – bringing joy to the residents.
To present the choir at its best, the singers rehearsed with great dedication, carefully refining every detail. They even arrived early at the venue to continue polishing the performance. During rehearsal, their beautiful singing drew many residents outside the room to listen. Some asked curiously, “Who are you?” and “Where will you be performing?” When they learned the concert would take place there in just half an hour, they responded with delight.
The performance was warmly received. Residents smiled and nodded along with the music, and as the final notes faded, the room burst into applause. Many exclaimed, “Beautiful!” and “Very nice!”
This community outreach performance brought seniors not only the companionship of music, but also the love and care carried through song.
Bringing Music into the Community
On February 23, 2026, the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus was invited to perform at the Kerrisdale Seniors Centre as part of a Lunar New Year outreach event, presenting a warm and joyful program for local seniors. The chorus performed several well-known Chinese and Western pieces, including Scarborough Fair, The Sound of Music (Choral Highlights), and Jasmine Flower. This event also marked the chorus’s first official community performance, reflecting its commitment to bringing music into the community and giving back through the arts.
The atmosphere was lively and festive. In addition to Chinese seniors, many non-Chinese attendees dressed in outfits with Chinese elements to join the celebration. The performers and audience interacted warmly throughout the program, and when the upbeat dance music began, many seniors – including several in their eighties – rose to their feet and joined the dancing. The event concluded with a joyful bilingual Chinese-English rendition of Gong Xi Gong Xi.
The Kerrisdale Seniors Centre presented the Xiaoping Chorus with a certificate of appreciation, praising the professional quality of the performance and the artistic enjoyment it brought to the community. Many seniors described it as “the best program” of their holiday celebration, warmly saying, “You guys must come again.”
The event was made possible through the Foundation’s generous sponsorship.
Honoring Our Volunteers
On December 13, 2025, as the year drew to a close and we paused to reflect on the past while looking toward the future, the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation hosted a special appreciation event themed “Honoring Our Volunteers.” The gathering was held to convey gratitude and respect to the volunteers who, throughout the year, contributed their time and energy with remarkable dedication and selflessness.
Since its founding, under the leadership of Ms. Xiaoping Hu, the Foundation has continued to grow and thrive. Many volunteers have worked quietly behind the scenes, offering their time, expertise, and thoughtful support. Through their selfless commitment and tireless efforts, the Foundation has achieved remarkable progress in a relatively short period. This spirit of volunteerism, combined with a strong sense of teamwork, has been the driving force behind the success of its cultural and charitable initiatives.
Midway through the gathering, tables laden with delicious dishes filled the room with inviting aromas, adding to the joyful holiday atmosphere. It felt like a family banquet, where laughter and lively conversation flowed naturally. In this welcoming environment, participants experienced the unity and sense of belonging that define the Foundation, while volunteers shared their stories, accomplishments, and joy.
The evening concluded with a group chorus, bringing the celebration to a memorable close. Though reluctant to say goodbye, everyone exchanged warm wishes and looked ahead to the coming year, ready to continue working together and contributing to the Foundation’s ongoing growth and success.
The Beauty of Harmony and Choral Art
A Special Lecture by Mr. Tianji Xie for the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus
To enhance the musical literacy of choir members and further promote the appreciation and development of bel canto and choral arts within the community, Ms. Xiaoping Hu invited renowned composer and music educator Mr. Tianji Xie to deliver a special lecture on the unique charm of choral singing and harmony. The event was hosted by the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus and supported by the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to promoting music education, fostering multicultural exchange, supporting public welfare cultural initiatives, and serving community development.
Drawing on decades of experience in music research and composition, Mr. Xie guided participants in exploring the expressive beauty of choral music – its ability to move hearts, touch souls, and convey profound emotional depth. Through this educational and interactive lecture, the Foundation’s support helped create an accessible learning opportunity for choir members and music enthusiasts alike, contributing to the popularization of bel canto-based choral singing and enriching the cultural life of the community.
During the lecture, Mr. Xie spoke with passion and sincerity. Beginning with the origins of choral art, he offered an in-depth explanation of the vital role harmony plays in choral performance. Through examples, he shared his deep understanding of choral music and his lifelong dedication to the art of harmony. He also led participants in live choral singing, integrating theory with practice to demonstrate how contrasting voices can achieve unity and how individual timbres blend into a rich, layered sound. Through multi-part collaboration and emotional resonance, participants experienced firsthand how choral singing creates a powerful and moving artistic expression.
The audience was fully immersed in Mr. Xie’s heartfelt and engaging presentation. Beyond the musical insights gained, participants were deeply inspired by the veteran artist’s enduring passion and sincere devotion to music. The event not only enhanced appreciation and understanding of choral art, but also supported the Foundation’s mission to nurture the arts, promote multicultural understanding, and enrich community cultural life.
A Celebration of Gratitude in Song
On the eve of Christmas, in this season of joy and gratitude, the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation was delighted to present a special Community Appreciation Concert featuring the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus. The performance was held at its long-time rehearsal home, All Saints Anglican Church in Burnaby. Through a rich and varied program of music and dance, the choir offered its sincere thanks to the many members of the community whose support has made its journey possible.
Since its founding, the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus has gathered in this welcoming space each Friday to rehearse and grow together. The warmth and generosity of the community have made it a true artistic home. This concert was a tribute to that support – an opportunity to share music, joy, and appreciation with all who have encouraged the choir along the way.
Looking ahead, the choir remains dedicated to serving the community, enriching cultural life, and pursuing artistic excellence.
Picturesque Autumn Concert
In the autumn of 2025, as maple leaves blaze in brilliant hues and a crisp breeze fills the air, we gather in this poetic season to share in the warmth and beauty of the Picturesque Autumn Concert.
This concert is presented by the Vancouver Xiaoping Choir and generously sponsored by the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation, with special guest appearance by the Vancouver Magee Secondary School Chamber Choir. Two choirs of distinct styles – yet equally passionate and accomplished – meet on this autumn stage. Using music as a bridge and song as a messenger of emotion, they join to paint a richly layered and vividly colored portrait of the season.
The Vancouver Xiaoping Choir is known for its strong artistic foundation and refined musical expression, with a rich, warm tone that conveys genuine emotional depth. The Magee Secondary School Chamber Choir, by contrast, is recognized for its clear, bright sound and energetic, youthful stage presence. Together, the two ensembles complement one another beautifully, each bringing out the best in the other.
Throughout the performance, singers from both choirs collaborate with energy and rapport, demonstrating not only a high level of artistry but also the inspiring power of connection and exchange. On stage, voices blend and emotions unfold; in the hall, waves of applause and shared resonance create an atmosphere that is lively and deeply engaging.
This concert offers audiences a rich artistic experience that blends sound and emotion, while deepening appreciation for the beauty of choral music. It also reflects the mission of the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation: to connect through art, promote vocal excellence, support emerging talent, and enrich the community through cultural and public engagement.
Illuminating Voices, Enriching Hearts
Dr. Mei Zhong’s Vocal Masterclass
Committed to its mission of promoting music education, advancing the art of bel canto, serving the community, and contributing to cultural enrichment, the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation invited Dr. Mei Zhong, tenured professor at the School of Music, Ball State University, USA, to present a distinctive vocal masterclass on October 8, 2025, at the rehearsal venue of the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus.
The masterclass was dynamic, engaging, and thoughtfully structured, unfolding in a format reminiscent of a “physician’s consultation.” Ten participants performed selected excerpts in turn, each receiving individualized coaching. With keen musical insight and professional expertise, Dr. Zhong carefully identified areas for improvement and offered clear, practical guidance on breath support, vowel formation, and vocal placement. Under her attentive and perceptive instruction, participants demonstrated immediate and remarkable progress, bringing renewed confidence and expressive depth to their singing.
Audience members also benefited greatly from observing the session. In addition to members of the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus, attendees included singers from several Chinese choirs throughout Greater Vancouver. Many remarked that such a high-level yet approachable masterclass was both rare and deeply rewarding, and expressed enthusiasm for more opportunities of this kind in the future.
The success of this masterclass reflects the Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation’s ongoing dedication to music education and artistic excellence. It also provided a valuable platform for learning and inspiration among vocal enthusiasts. Looking ahead, this initiative is expected to continue nurturing artistic growth and fostering vibrant cultural achievements within the Chinese Canadian community.
Bridging Friendship Through Song
The Canada–China Choral Festival Marking the 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
On the evening of September 19, 2025, the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus was invited to participate in the Canada–China Choral Festival, jointly presented by the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations and the Canadian Community Service Association, in celebration of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. The Xiaoping Arts and Culture Foundation also played an active role, providing generous support to help make the event possible.
The festival was held at the Vancouver Playhouse. During the concert, the Vancouver Xiaoping Chorus presented a rich and diverse program that elegantly blended Eastern and Western musical traditions, earning warm and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
More than a musical event, the concert served as a meaningful celebration of the longstanding friendship between Canada and China, while highlighting the power of music as a bridge for cultural exchange. This memorable evening—where voices united and friendships flourished—created a lasting impression, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations with warmth, harmony, and shared joy.