the Grand Symphony Epic Concert
"Ode to Peace and Future" and WWII Photo Exhibition
Press Release
Sydney Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War with the Grand Symphony Epic Concert "Ode to Peace and Future" and WWII Photo Exhibition
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. At this important historical moment, a series of commemorative events—the grand symphony concert "Peace and Future" and the WWII photo exhibition—were held at the Sydney Town Hall on the evening of August 9. Hosted by the Sydney Huaxing Art Troupe and co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, the Australian Maritime Union, and the New South Wales South Coast Union, the events added a significant chapter to the history of Sino-Australian cultural exchanges and international peace commemoration.
A Dialogue Across Time and Space Began with the Photo Exhibition
On the evening of 9th August 2025, a display of precious historical photos and materials from WWII featured in the Sydney Town Hall. They vividly recreated the heroic scenes of people around the world uniting to resist the fascist war 80 years ago. Through the images, the audience revisited history, reflected on sacrifices, and contemplated the present. This visual meditation built a cultural bridge connecting the past and the future, as well as the East and the West.
Paying Tribute to Veterans
At the veterans' recognition meeting, His Excellency Wang Yu, Ambassador-rank Consul General of China in Sydney, warmly greeted veterans and descendants from diverse backgrounds, including families of Nationalist forces, Communist forces, and other individual participants in the war against Japanese aggression. The spirit of peace transcended political stances at this moment, reflecting the righteousness and inclusiveness upheld by overseas Chinese.
Welcome to country
The concert commenced with welcome to Country by Aunty Rhonda Dixon, an Elder and Traditional Descendant. Steeped in the memory of the land and cultural roots, the ritual symbolised the germination of peace in Australia’s multicultural soil.
Guest Speakers
Two distinguished guests addressed the event, infusing the evening with profound spiritual significance. His Excellency Wang Yu, Ambassador-rank Consul General of China in Sydney, emphasised that the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was a triumph of justice and the people, forever engraved in the history of human civilisation. Remembering history, he noted, is essential to building a peaceful future together. 
The Hon Mark Buttigieg, Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, representing the NSW Premier, praised the historical contributions of the Chinese and Australian peoples in resisting fascism and highlighted the power of consensus and unity in a multicultural society. He stated that peace is a value we must collectively safeguard today and in the future, adding that the extraordinary power of art transcends language and culture to connect us all.
Local and International Dignitaries’ attendance, highlighting International Consensus
The event also attracted Australian dignitaries and consuls general from various countries, including Russia, Colombia, and France, stationed in Sydney. Their presence underscored that the message of peace conveyed by Peace and Future transcends language, nationality, and belief, becoming a cultural symbol of global consensus. Representatives from Chinese community organisations also attended the concert with great enthusiasm.
Multicultural Artists join force in a Grand Celebration, Elevating Emotion and Faith
The concert brought together nearly 400 professional artists and cultural workers of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including participants from China, Australia, South America, Russia, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Colombia, Romania, and South Korea. A grand assembly of a 260-member choir and a 58-piece symphony orchestra presented a powerful tribute to peace through an integrated performance of symphony, choral music, solos, and recitations.
This multicultural and ethnically blended concert served as a symphony of civilisations—using music as its medium, peace as its faith, and memory as its foundation. It was a profound dialogue that traversed history and the present, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. With its majestic symphonic structure, profound thematic depth, and rich multicultural integration, the evening composed an epic artistic chapter dedicated to peace. From the soul-stirring Yellow River Boatmen’s Song and Defend the Yellow River to contemplative pieces such as The Anti-Japanese Military and Political University Song and themes from Schindler’s List, the artists evoked deep collective memories through multilingual, multi-style, and multidimensional expressions. 
From the heartfelt rendition of A Great River to the hopeful melody of Tomorrow Will Be Better, and from the raw intensity of “Pig Iron Bob" to the reflective teacher-student dialogue Southern Cross Vow, the concert emphasised how faith and mission are passed down through generations, showcasing the solemn commitment of Australia’s youth to justice and peace. The thoughtfully curated program wove diverse narratives and human emotions into a unified space, reflecting on history, honouring sacrifice, and looking toward the future at its artistic climax, creating a spiritual tension that embodied "cherishing peace and facing mortality with courage."
Cross-Disciplinary Art, Universal Resonance of Peace
The concert's chief director, Yu Junwu, reflected, "This performance is not merely an artistic reflection on history, but also a dialogue of beliefs. Peace and Future stands as a cultural beacon that shines overseas, illuminating a convergence of diverse forces." 
Remembering the Past Illuminates the Path Forward
It is through cherishing peace that we look back on history. This grand concert allowed people here in Sydney—a crossroads of multiculturalism—to revisit the shared historical memory of resisting fascism and inspired a renewed sense of responsibility to cherish peace. 
