On July 28, 2024, a concert themed “Ancient Rhythms and New Songs -- The Chinanization of Sacred Music” was held at Haidian Church in Beijing. It was attended by more than 600 people, including members of Beijing CC&TSPM, pastoral staff, believers, and people from all walks of life.

The concert chronologically showcased the developmental course of Christianity in China, highlighting its active integration and adaption into Chinese culture over the past 1,300 years ago. The performance featured elements of Nestorianism, Catholicism and Protestantism. Participating groups and individuals included the Haidian Church Choir, Chongwenmen Church Choir, Fengtai Church’s Glorious Choir, Catholic Sacred Voice Choir, teachers and students from the Chinese National Academy of Arts, the Central Conservatory of Music, and the China Conservatory of Music, as well as the actors and actresses from the China National Traditional Orchestra and the China National Opera House.

This music event was another practical attempt to deepen the Chinanization of Christianity, creating a distinctive brand of the Christianity in China. It demonstrated the exploration of contemporary Catholicism and Protestantism in the ministry of the Chinanization of sacred music. By tracing the history of the development of Catholicism and Protestantism in China, the concert reflected the contemplation of Chinese Christians on the integration of traditional culture.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng