"Echo of Love" Concert Warms Hearts in Summit

On the evening of May 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM, a moving music gala, the "Echo of Love" Charity Concert, unfolded at Summit's Central Presbyterian Church. Organized by the Summit Chinese American Association, this event showcased the community's selfless generosity and remarkable artistic talent. All ticket proceeds were proudly donated to Good Grief, a New Jersey non-profit dedicated to continuously supporting children and families navigating the profound loss of loved ones.

The concert stage sparkled with an array of world-class musicians and rising young talents. The program featured a rich and diverse repertoire, with every piece, from classical movements to modern classics, proving captivating. A particularly poignant segment of the evening invited families from Good Grief to share their personal stories and heartfelt poems. As music and narration intertwined, and sentiments of love and remembrance flowed, the audience was visibly moved.

The Starry Arts Group Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Rebecca Shen, opened the concert with the pure and innocent "I Love You, Mom." Their tender yet emotional young voices instantly awakened deep feelings of love and longing in every audience member. Following this, violinist Yeshuang Chen, cellist Qianci Liu, pianist Sherry Li, and percussionist Yi Ru collaboratively performed Bach's timeless "Ave Maria," its flowing melody a warm current gently comforting hearts.

World-renowned pianist Ying Li then graced the stage, showcasing her exquisite artistry with solo works such as Chopin's "Nocturne in C minor" and Liszt's "Rigoletto," drawing the audience into a realm of deep reflection and emotion. Additionally, cellist Qianci Liu partnered with Ying Li for Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise," and later joined violinist Yeshuang Chen to present "Secret Garden's" evocative "Sometimes When It Rains" and "Serenade to Spring." Young harpist Elaine Fong and young cellist Sophia Li performed Massenet’s "Méditation," its beautiful melody resonating gracefully throughout the church, cultivating a serene and healing atmosphere.

Outstanding young musicians from the Qianci Youth String Orchestra, White Plains Starworks Music Studios, Long Island Yi Ru Youth Percussion Ensemble, Long Island Tutti Music & Arts, and the SHS Good Grief Club infused new vibrancy into popular classics through dynamic instrumental and percussion ensembles, including "Over the Rainbow." A standout moment was the deeply emotional performance of "Stand by Me," profoundly led by brothers Yuming Yang and Yuchen Yang, cellists from a Good Grief family, in a heartfelt tribute to their late father. This powerful and commemorative rendition moved every person in the audience. Towards the concert's close, the Xinsheng Chinese Choirfrom New York, directed by Chenchen Li, performed the soul-stirring songs "What the World’s Given Me" and "Forget Sorrows When Flowers Bloom." Young ballet dancers Kerry Li and Olivia Huang added visual grace, dancing alongside the choir and presenting flowers to the Good Grief family members.

The evening's most impactful moments arose as several volunteer readers shared authentic stories and moving poems from Good Grief families. Young volunteer Ella Chai, with her clear voice, read "Ode to Honey Bear," a poem from a 13-year-old girl whose life ended too soon; its pure yet resilient emotion was deeply touching. Volunteer Tony then passionately recited a poem penned by a Good Grief family in memory of their baby, Luke Jaxon, who passed away at just 13 months old. That profound love and remembrance, transcending life and death, resonated deeply in the simple words. Volunteers Sherry and Lixia shared true narratives from Good Grief families, recounting how they gradually found strength from the grief of losing loved ones and actively contributed back to the community. Good Grief member Sam personally shared how his family moved past their sorrow by participating in Good Grief's activities after losing their child, moving many in the audience to tears. These sincere shares profoundly illustrated Good Grief's core mission: to help people grow stronger after experiencing loss and thrive in adversity.

This significant concert was a collaborative effort, with the Summit Chinese American Association joining forces with the Millburn Chinese American Association and the Basking Ridge Chinese American Association to amplify the promotion of both Good Grief and the charity concert. Distinguished guests, including Millburn Mayor Annette Romano, Millburn Chinese American Association President Jeslyn Li, renowned entrepreneurs Ms. Bi Qian, Mr. Chen Dong, and Mr. Wang Chao, also attended. Their presence actively demonstrated their firm support for public welfare and community mutual aid, adding significant prestige to the event. Jia Song, President of the Summit Chinese American Association, concluded the concert by stating, "Echo of Love is not just a concert; it's a spiritual embrace, an echo of love. May this warm power continue to resonate among people, transcending pain and fostering hope."

Founded in New Jersey in 2004, Good Grief consistently dedicates itself to helping children and families who have lost loved ones build resilience, strengthen family bonds, and empower communities. Since Good Grief launched its first "Night of Support" activity at Christ Church in Summit in 2007, as of 2024, its two support centers in Morristown and Princeton have provided free Peer Support programs to grieving families in New Jersey for 17 years. In 2024 alone, Good Grief provided support services to nearly a thousand individuals from over 400 families across 16 New Jersey counties. Local Chinese community groups in Summit have consistently organized various activities to aid Good Grief's fundraising efforts and expand its influence. This continuous community participation not only educates more residents about Good Grief's vital services but also genuinely helps families in need receive invaluable support.

The resounding success of this concert is a testament to the invaluable contributions of the Summit Chinese American Association; concert producer Paulus Hook Music Foundation; co-organizers Millburn Chinese American Association and Basking Ridge Chinese American Association; concert sponsors Beyond Young LLP and Sofun Summit LLC; and flower sponsor Hexacres Floral Studio.

Audience members shared overwhelmingly positive feedback:

"This was a concert about love and healing. Every adult and child who spoke on stage, their sincere words, showed me resilience and hope. The pain of losing loved ones is deeply ingrained, indescribable, and can never be forgotten. Thank you, Good Grief, for providing these families with spiritual help and a safe space, letting them know that in their most difficult times, they aren't struggling alone, and there will always be someone silently by their side, acting as the strongest arm and support."

Full List of Performers and Volunteer Staff

Concert Producer/Cellist/Singer: Qianci Liu Piano: Ying Li, Sherry Li, Lang Yu Percussionist: Yi Ru Conductors:Rebecca Shen, Chenchen Li Violin: Yeshuang Ella Chen, An-Ru Song, Olivia Hoang, Alex Wu, Isabella Kim, Vincent Song, Warren Li, Jasper Huang Cello: Yuming Yang, Yuchen Yang, Kenny Wu, Charles Fong, Sophia Li, Vienna Hoang, Kevin Li, Zixuan Jiang, Alice Qian, Audrey Hong, Jasmine Feng, William Tong, Pan Ding, Kerry Li, Sophie Zhu, Ivy Chen, Hannah Hu, Allison Zhou Harp: Elaine Fong Percussion: Lucas Wang, Victor Wang, Laura Chen, Olivia Zhang, Quinton Pan, Alvin Zhang, Ruby Wang, Eric Kulkarni Bass: Sophie Bohner, Gavin Lowenberger Starry Arts Group Children’s Chorus: Isabel Shen, Jayce Luo, Doris Chen, Warren Li, Melody Chen, Vivian Zuo, Iris Wang, Ella Chai, Gabriel Au

Xinsheng Chinese Choir: Lyra Chen, Leo Lee, Xinyu Han, Ruyi Zhang, Qiyang Li, Jennifer Zhou, Luyu Lei, Wenqi Wang, Zhenyi Yang Dancers: Kerry Li, Olivia Huang Volunteers: Xia Wang, Fengli Zhao, Huajing Xing, Shuming, Jiaying Zhang, Luke Cain, Liang Gao, Ke Li, Matthew Kristoff, Joy, Leo, Jessica On-site Sound Volunteer: Renbo Huang Photography Volunteer: Chenfei Gao