Commemorating the Past 

Cherishing Peace

Sydney Commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Global War against Fascism and the Chinese Victory against Japanese Aggression

    The year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In honour of the occasion, ‘Commemorating the Past – Cherishing Peace: Sydney Commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Global War against Fascism and the Chinese Victory against Japanese Aggression’, hosted by Huaxing Arts Group Australia, was held on the 14 August 2015 at Sydney Town Hall in the form of a symphony orchestra concert and photography exhibition.

     What made this event truly exceptional was in its expression of human suffering, courage, and hope through art. The symphony concert itself was arranged, played, and put together through the combined efforts and talents of both Chinese and Australia artists – each paying their respects in light of the historical subject matter. Segments of the evening included songs performed by the choir and soloists, accompanied by the orchestra, interviews with war veterans, the reading of a soldier’s diary by her granddaughter, and interviews with documentary film-makers, among others. 

Photo Gallery              Exhibition

     This concert is special in its expression of the true value of art in attempting to awaken the consciousness of human beings. With this in mind, the event will be presented in two main parts. 

1.  Symphony concert: the event be an epic symphony concert, consisting of local Sydney Chinese and Australian artists by whom it will be arranged, directed, played and jointly created. We bring together artists with heritages extending from China, Australia, Poland, Italy, German, Switzerland, Armenia, etc. Together, we pay respect to the subject matter by being extensive, diversified, inclusive, and professional. Under the special circumstances, in light of the historical backdrop, and under the guidance of the reciters and the hosts, the audience will be confronted by an extraordinary sound brought by the many classical music pieces.

2.  In the foyer, a photography exhibition showcased 100 historical pictures from the Second World War era. Though many were confronting, the images allowed us to reflect on both the devastating nature of war, and the indeterminate value of hope and peace. 

    1) Humanity in war; 

    2) Moral power in war; 

    3) War and its impact on human culture, art, ideas, life, and understandings of happiness; 

    4) The end of war as a victory for the people who love peace, dignity, human civilization, and relief for victims. 

    Huaxing Arts Group Australia is rooted within the concept of “localization”; its goals - to diversify and improve the lives of local Chinese communities, to increase tolerant attitudes through various cultural activities, and to help elements of the Chinese ethos become all the more accepted into mainstream culture. 

    The night’s proceedings were met with tremendous success, thanks to the combined efforts of all involved through countless meetings, conferences, and rehearsals. The concert won the audience’s applause, as well as their appraisal. Together, a truly meaning event was carried out into fruition, and history was remembered.

Acknowledge:    Zenger Australia   .    Nanhai Cultural Media 

Sinfonia Symphony Orchestra   .   St. George Arts and Entertainment Centre   .   Sydney West Region Chinese Association Choir

Australian Chinese Happy choir   .   Sydney Beijing Art Troupe   .   Spark Adolescents Children Singing Group