STORY: Chinese orchestra adds harmonizing culture to Christmas tale in Los Angeles
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 25, 2023
DATELINE: Dec. 28, 2023
LENGTH: 00:00:32
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S.
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Chinese Musician Association of Southern California playing music 

STORYLINE:

Following the Western tradition of performing Christmas carols at the homes of friends and neighbors, the Chinese Musician Association of Southern California, led by composer/conductor James Chiao, embarked on their holiday mission this year to bring music and good cheer to an American community on Christmas Day.

The orchestra performed in Los Angeles' famous "Candy Cane Lane," a fun and festive holiday destination for whole families to visit each year at Christmas.

There, nearly every house and yard is bedecked with blazing Christmas light displays that spin, twinkle and glow, plus huge crystal snowflakes, people-sized candy canes, merry inflatable snowmen and Santa's galore with his diminutive elves and sleighs laden with presents drawn by his legendary reindeer.
   
But this year, families got an additional holiday treat when a dozen colorfully-costumed Chinese musicians performed classic Christmas carols on a treasure trove of traditional Chinese instruments, like the erhu, pipa, and guzheng.

Homeowner John Schneider, whose house and yard in Woodland Hills served as the launch pad for the neighborhood event, was delighted when they came knocking at his door.

For many other residents who enjoyed the show, the Chinese instruments, with their unique sounds and historical significance, and the talented musicians playing them, created an enchanting musical experience that blended the festive spirit of Christmas carols with the rich heritage of Eastern melodies -- a musical bridge between East and West.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Los Angeles, U.S.
(XHTV)