In a world often defined by division, Ailian Yang chooses harmony. From the ancient city of Xi’an to the cultural mosaic of Houston, her journey is a testament to the power of music as a cultural force—and to one woman’s lifelong mission as a **cultural advocate**: bridging communities, preserving heritage, and inspiring peace through song.

🎼 A Global Voice for Culture and Connection

Ailian Yang began her artistic journey in Northwest China, where she founded the acclaimed “NOVA Choir** in 1980. Under her baton, the ensemble rose to national prominence and performed internationally, including a landmark debut at Vienna’s Golden Hall. Her visionary leadership transformed the choir into a vehicle for cultural storytelling—fusing Chinese musical tradition with global artistry.

Driven by a desire to share her culture and build global dialogue through music, Yang relocated to Houston, Texas—a city that echoes her values of diversity, openness, and community.

A Cultural Advocate in Houston’s Artistic Heart

Today, Yang serves as “Assistant Conductor of the Houston Yellow River Choir”, a group known not only for its artistic excellence but also for its role in cross-cultural outreach. Yang leads weekly vocal rehearsals, curates educational vocal sessions for choir members, and shapes performances that celebrate Chinese musical heritage while engaging broader American audiences.

Her leadership has been instrumental in preparing the choir’s upcoming “Summer Concert on June 28, 2025,” a showcase of cultural exchange and community harmony. 

（**The Houston Yellow River Choir is widely recognized for its artistic excellence and community impact, having received prestigious honors such as the Walt Disney Motif Award for Fine Arts Scholastics and the Community Service Award from Stewart Title.**）

Building Her Own Chorus: Houston Holiday Choirs

In addition to her work with established ensembles, Yang has recently founded her own group—the “Houston Holiday Choirs”—a new platform focused on seasonal performances and vocal education. This emerging choir represents Yang’s personal artistic vision: using singing as a means of community connection and cultural celebration.

The Houston Holiday Choirs are expected to make their public debut in “August 2025”, when they participate in the “Chinese Times Singer Competition,” a widely respected event that draws performers from across North America. Through this initiative, Yang continues her commitment to nurturing Chinese voices on global stages.

A Historic Voice for Peace and Unity

As a cultural advocate, Yang will also join the **Houston Choir** on “September 21, 2025,” during a monumental event in Atlanta** commemorating the “80th anniversary of the end of World War II.” Co-hosted by the North America Asian Arts Alliance, the concert will bring together over 300 performers from diverse communities—Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Jewish, and more—in a musical tribute to peace and remembrance.

The program will feature *The Yellow River Cantata* and world classics performed by top choirs and orchestras across the U.S., showcasing not only artistic brilliance but deep cultural solidarity. Yang’s participation reflects her role as a voice for peace, memory, and multicultural unity.

Teaching Culture Through Song

Beyond the stage, Yang is an impassioned educator who uses music to preserve tradition and empower identity. Formerly a professor at Shaanxi Senior University, she now teaches weekly at the **Houston Taiwan Institute for Senior Citizens (HTISC)**, where her classes offer joy, self-expression, and a sense of belonging to elders in the Chinese-speaking community.

Her teaching philosophy is simple: *“Music connects lives.” Through her mentorship, Yang helps students of all ages find their voice—on stage and in life.

A Vision Beyond the Stage

Looking to the future, Yang hopes to start her own nonprofit organization “dedicated to **choral education and community arts in the Chinese diaspora**. She envisions this NGO as a platform to promote vocal education, support cultural exchange, and empower charitable music programs that uplift Chinese voices across North America.

Whether through concerts, classrooms, or community initiatives, Yang continues to conduct not only melodies—but meaning.

💫 Words to Live (and Sing) By

When asked what wisdom she’d pass to young artists, Yang doesn't hesitate:

“Stay passionate. Always strive for excellence. The road to art isn’t easy, but every step brings you closer to your dreams.”

In Houston’s ever-evolving cultural scene, **Ailian Yang is helping the city sing a new song**—one that honors heritage, builds bridges, and reminds us that culture is not just what we preserve. It’s what we share.

If you also love singing and would like to join the Houston Holiday Choirs to share warmth through music, please reach out to Ms. Ailian Yang at: conductoryal@gmail.com