On Sept 1, the iconic song On the Sun Island was performed by soprano Yu Hongfei on Harbin's picturesque Sun Island 45 years after its debut. The event celebrated Harbin's vibrant new chapter and marked a tribute to the song's enduring legacy.
The song, composed by Wang Liping, was originally performed by singer Zheng Xulan and became popular during the 1980s. It captured the hearts of many and played a significant role in popularizing Harbin, the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. Today, Sun Island is a renowned scenic area, attracting domestic and foreign visitors.
"As a child, visiting Sun Island was a highlight," says Yu, a soprano hailing from Harbin. "This song introduced many to our city. Seeing the changes on Sun Island over the decades is remarkable. Reinterpreting this song with a symphonic approach fits the city's current international stature perfectly."
Notably, Wang also served as the artistic director for the music video.
"This song was created with a vision for the future. I hope it continues to be sung for decades to come," says Wang.
