Warmth, hospitality

"Every place we visited, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, conveyed a sense of grandeur and tradition that was deeply inspiring. What truly marked this experience was the warmth and hospitality we encountered at each performance and meeting," Melchior said.

The orchestra, made up largely of young musicians from low-income families, was invited to Beijing to perform at a reception event at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil.

They also had a chance to perform with students of Peking University and Beijing Technology and Business University.

Michelly Gondim, one of three singers with the orchestra, said the trip fostered deep friendships and cultural appreciation.

"It's an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture. Everyone is thrilled to be part of it."

Having learned to sing some Chinese songs, such as Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin (The Moon Represents My Heart) and Wo Ai Ni, Zhong Guo (I Love You, China), Gondim said she made many Chinese friends during the trip and enjoyed the tour.

With some orchestra members now singing in Chinese, "we feel very proud", Melchior said, adding that it has not only expanded their repertoire but also opened new doors for artistic exchange.

Melchior, who is also president of the Riomont Cultural Center, an organization dedicated to spreading Chinese culture in Brazil, said: "I started by introducing Chinese music into the orchestra, allowing members to connect with Chinese language and culture. This exposure deepened as our collaboration with Chinese companies and institutions expanded."

Gondim said her experience with the orchestra has been invaluable for her university studies in vocal performance and her path as a music teacher. "I'm grateful for it," she said.

Melchior talked of the impact of the orchestra on young musicians from low-income families. "We have many inspiring stories of musicians whose lives have been transformed," she said. "Many have been accepted into prestigious institutions as musicians, and for those who don't pursue a musical career, the discipline and dedication carry over, leading to professional success in other fields.

"These journeys show how music can break down barriers and open new possibilities for the future."

The orchestra, in recognition of its artistic achievements, was recently designated an intangible cultural heritage of the Rio de Janeiro State.

"We're very happy with this recognition," Melchior said. "Without the support of CNOOC Brazil, we would not have come this far."

She was referring to China National Offshore Oil Corporation, whose president in Brazil, Huang Yehua, said supporting the Copacabana Fort Orchestra and participating in other community projects are integral to the company's commitment to engaging with local society and sharing the benefits of development.

"Through musical traditions, histories, culture, and stories of both China and Brazil, we can establish a lasting and solid bond for economic exchange between our two nations," Huang said.

The orchestra will adopt the name "Sound of the Sea" soon, symbolizing the harmony of cultures across a vast ocean of friendship between the two countries, Huang added.

Huang is a recipient of the Tiradentes Medal, the highest honor of Rio de Janeiro State, and has had honorary citizenship of Rio de Janeiro city bestowed on him.

"We have long considered ourselves Cariocas and seen Rio as our second home in this land filled with passion," Huang said, adding that these honors reflect the deep affection of and the high recognition from the people of Rio for Chinese companies such as CNOOC.