“Music is the Language of Peace”: UNCAV President Delivers Inspirational Message to CCC Kei Wan (Aldrich Bay) Choir at a Festival Concert at the United Nations
*Event co-organized by the VIC Music Club and ENFiD-Austria celebrates 55 years of Chinese-Austrian diplomatic ties*
Vienna, 14 April 2026 – The United Nations in Vienna witnessed a powerful fusion of melody and colour today as ENFiD-Austria, together with the VIC Music Club and VIC Art Club, presented a special Concert and Painting Exhibition. The midday event celebrated the 55th Anniversary of Chinese-Austrian diplomatic relations under the banner of peace and cultural understanding.
A defining moment of the programme came when UNCAV President Mr. Abdalla Sharief delivered a stirring reflection on “Music as the Language of Peace,” directly addressing the young members of the CCC Kei Wan Primary School (Aldrich Bay) choir. Sharief reminded the students and audience that notes and rhythms speak where words cannot, serving as a universal bridge between nations. He urged the young singers to continue using their voices as instruments of harmony, telling them that every melody they share has the power to heal and unite.
The programme opened with warm welcome remarks from VIC Music Club President, Mr. Sean Dunlop, encouraging the performers to keep using music as an instrument of peace. This was followed by a special message from the Principal of CCC Kei Wan Primary School (Aldrich Bay), Dr. Wong Ching Man.
The musical highlight of the afternoon was led by the accomplished conductor Victor So, who guided performers through a moving seven-piece international repertoire:
- Nuku, nuku, lapsukainen
- The Lake Isle of Innisfree
- Cantate Domino
- Festive Alleluia
- Lift Your Veil
- Sisi Sote
- Edelweiss
A concurrent painting exhibition, organized together with the VIC Art Club, filled the exhibition area with children’s artworks on harmony and hope. The paintings underscored the anniversary’s theme of enduring friendship between China and Austria, two nations with a rich history of cultural exchange.
At the conclusion of the performance, a representative of ACPAF presented Tokens of Appreciation to UNCAV and the VIC Music Club, recognizing their dedication to dialogue through the arts. Special thanks were extended to ENFiD-Austria as co-organizer, alongside the VIC Music Club and VIC Art Club, for making the celebration possible.
Photos ctto: Hedi Bousnina, Ricky Chiu
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas
Affiliations: UNCAV Board Member, ENFiD-Austria Chairperson, ENFiD Adviser, UNWG 1st Vice President, EPA Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor/Board Member, VIC Art Club Activities Coordinator, Knights of the Order of the Golden Spur Member, FWN Member/Awardee, VIC Club Filipino Adviser/Former President, PACES Founding Member/Former President, BSA President.