Barcelona: Overseas Chinese living in this coastal Spanish city are busy rehearsing for the Barcelona Concert for China’s 60th birthday that will be presented in late September.

Among the cast are many new faces particularly those of the younger generation who are studying or living there.

One such participant is Li Lu, a 20-year-old overseas Chinese student.

Previously she has been very active in activities held by local Chinese in the past few years and believes such a concert can help people back on the mainland better know overseas Chinese like herself.

Another girl named Yu Dan is a “veteran” piano player who got her grade 10 piano certification at the age of 12.

An experienced stage performer, Yu will be one of the main performers in this concert, playing piano solo and accompaniment to express overseas Chinese students’ love for their motherland.

She says the concert will be presented in a professional and diversified way to show the versatility of overseas Chinese.

Ge Shidi and Sun Yifang, Chinese singers living in Barcelona, are also among the cast of the concert.

Talking about the event Ge says, “Because we are all Chinese, and it’s our motherland’s 60th birthday – it’s a meaningful occasion. The only thing I can do is to sing for my country.”

Sun reiterates, “Though we are far away from our hometown, we miss her in our heart. China is developing and we overseas Chinese are proud of that. It makes us stand straighter and live a confidant life. This concert is a gift for China’s 60th birthday, and we will present it with our heart and love.”

Though the place where they are rehearsing may seem to be a little shabby the patriotism in these overseas Chinese hearts is certainly shining brightly.

Editor: Li Cheng