London served as the backdrop for a significant cultural commemoration as a concert marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The event, themed “Honour History for a Better Future,” brought together over 300 attendees at the Royal College of Music to reflect on shared history and aspirations for peace.
Organized by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the concert featured ten performances blending Chinese and Western classical music, presented by the Hunan Province Song and Dance Theatre and New Elements Music. These renowned performing arts groups were joined by guest performers from the London City Orchestra and the Camden Philharmonia Orchestra, contributing to a rich and diverse musical program. The event aimed to foster a deeper connection between China and Britain through shared emotions and historical memories from World War II.
Chinese Ambassador to Britain, Zheng Zeguang, delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the power of music in remembering history and honoring sacrifices. “Tonight, we will use music to remember that part of history, and honour those who laid down their lives for the cause of justice of humanity,” Ambassador Zheng stated. “We will use music to express our aspiration for world peace as well as our resolute commitment to striving for a better shared future for mankind.” He highlighted the historical partnership between China and Britain during the war, noting that “the Chinese people and the British people fought shoulder to shoulder as allies, made great contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and helped to establish a new international order.” The Ambassador also spoke about the enduring friendship forged between the two nations during that period, referencing touching stories of solidarity and mutual support.
A particularly poignant moment of the evening was the performance of “Long Way from Home,” the theme song from the documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.” This piece, performed live by London-based singer Elly O’Keeffe and accompanied by film clips, recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who rescued British prisoners of war during WWII. Anthony Jones, chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, commented on the performance, noting how the concert successfully blended shared emotions and memories from WWII, creating a strong connection between China and Britain.
The musical program spanned a wide repertoire, including Chinese modern folk music from the war and revolution era, contemporary works, and Western classics such as Sir Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod.” Highlights also included the Erhu and Chamber Ensemble’s rendition of “Xiaoxiang Rhapsody,” a piece symbolizing patriotism and wartime resilience, and the stirring choral performance of “Defend the Yellow River.” This piece, part of Xian Xinghai’s Yellow River Piano Cantata, served as a potent symbol of resistance and courage during the war against Japanese aggression.
The concert’s finale featured the piano solo “Ode to the Yellow River” by Di Xiao, Professor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, followed by the collective singing of “My Motherland,” a beloved patriotic anthem. The mixed choir was formed by members of the Choir of the Chinese Embassy in London, the London Chinese Philharmonic Choir, and a team from the London Branch of the Bank of China. The event was sponsored by the London Branch of the Bank of China.
Among the distinguished guests present were representatives from the China-Britain Business Council and the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, underscoring the event’s broad appeal and its role in acknowledging shared historical experiences. This concert represents a significant piece of news in London’s cultural calendar, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.
The event’s success underscores the enduring relevance of historical memory and the role of arts in fostering international goodwill, aligning with broader initiatives to build a community of shared future for humanity. The gathering was a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and commemorate sacrifices, resonating with the theme of honoring history for a better future.
