[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2025 Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Choral Festival, a significant cultural event, commenced on Sept 6 in Yulin, Shaanxi province, merging tradition with modern innovation.

This festival is an impressive audio-visual spectacle and a cultural milestone, said a local official.

The 2025 Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Choral Festival opens on Sept 6 in Yulin. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A key highlight of the festival is the fusion of folk songs with symphonic music. This is exemplified by performances such as the orchestral piece Ode to the Red Flag, which captivated an audience of over 10,000 with its dynamic blend of Northern Shaanxi folk music and symphony.

Audience member Liu Zhenqin shared, "These songs have accompanied me throughout my life. Hearing them in a new form is both familiar and thrilling." Young attendee Zhang Long, who recorded the event on his phone, remarked on the profound cultural resonance and enduring spirit of the music.

Wang Erni, a singer from Yulin, performs at the folk song choral festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The festival also features academic exchanges and workshops, offering a platform for dialogue on the history and future development of the songs. More than 30 choirs from across China are set to perform, while expert lectures and exhibitions will delve into the cultural significance of Northern Shaanxi folk songs.

Yulin has made significant strides in preserving and promoting these folk songs by investing in talent development and establishing dedicated institutions. The city is committed to enhancing the artistic and cultural value of these songs, ensuring their bright future.

Folk songs are performed with symphonic instruments at the festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]