Pitch perfect cultural diplomacy wins heart of China’s first lady Peng Liyuan
Young singers’ rendition of beloved folk song ‘Jasmine Flower’ evokes warm reaction from the renowned soprano during Smithsonian visit
Footage shows the Hope Chinese School youth choir waving Chinese and American national flags during their rendition of the song “Jasmine Flower”, while Peng watches with a smile, her lips moving along to the lyrics.
As the performance ends, she turns to her US counterpart and smiles, while placing a hand to her heart, visibly moved. The two first ladies applaud the children, with Peng calling out “bravo”.
The iconic Chinese folk song, also known as “Mo Li Hua”, has long been part of Peng’s repertoire.
As a celebrated soprano with the People’s Liberation Army, she has sung it on numerous major occasions, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics one-year countdown celebration at Tiananmen Square.
