To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and China, and the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, “Redwood, Sino-US Friendship Mid-autumn Festival Concert”, co-organized by The United States and China Foundation (USCF) with China International Cultural Communication Center and China Arts and Entertainment Group, was successfully held at Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall in NYC on the afternoon of Oct 4.

The red wood, which was planted by former Chinese and US leaders in China , has been the symbol of Sino-US friendship since then. This concert was entitled “The Red wood” based on this story.

The 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China was also during 8-day national holiday, and this concert was a celebration presented for Chinese and American audience during Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival representing harvest, harmony, cheerfulness, and reunion.

Diana Corto, president of American Opera Company, acted as artistic and marketing supervisor of the concert, Zhao Xiaoou, conductor from China , directed the local orchestra in NYC ; other performers including well-known Chinese Erhu player Ma Xiaohui, soprano Julia Zhu, mezzo-soprano Zhang Wen, and American tenor Gerard Powers and American soprano Anna Vicker performed at this concert.

The concert perfectly combined Chinese classical songs such as “Jasmine”, and “The Story of spring”; Erhu solo “Sprit of Erhu” and “The Shepherdess on the Tianshan Mountains ” , with popular western opera pieces such as “Carmen”, “ La Traviata ” and “Nessun dorma”, etc.

The organizers invited local choir to perform at this concert and invited American actress Kerry Brogan to host the concert in Chinese and English languages.