Peace Concert for the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII in Asia
Time & Location
Aug 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z5, Canada
About
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, ALPHA Education and WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM) hosted a peace concert Quest for Peace on Friday, August 15, 2025. The event is co-hosted by Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC), and Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT).
The themes of Vulnerability, Silence, Hope and Peace will be weaved through the 2-hour musical performances. Through songs, contemporary and classical music, the event aims to arouse the historical memory of a human tragedy to be transformed into lessons and hope for humanity, and reflection on the values of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
We are extremely grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment of all talented performers and performing groups from different backgrounds joining hands together to enrich the commemoration event. We invite all supporters and community members to join us on August 15 to celebrate peace, and enjoy an evening filled with beautiful and inspiring music.
Performers
April Dream Choir
Canadian Chinese Orchestra Chamber Ensemble
Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra
Chen Chen (ALPHA Youth)
Toronto Pops Orchestra
Post-event Report
August 15, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia. ALPHA Education, the WongAvery Asia-Pacific Peace Museum (APPM), together with the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC), and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) organized a special concert, Quest for Peace, to commemorate this very special day.
The evening brought together more than 600 attendees, including community members and representatives from all levels of government, who gathered to reflect on history and celebrate the power of music in fostering peace and understanding.
With three hours of inspiring and amazing performances by choir and orchestras blending music with cultures and messages of peace, the concert honored the historical memory while calling attention to the importance of peace. Performers included the April Dream Choir, the Canadian Chinese Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, the Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra, the Toronto Pops Orchestra and vocalist Chen Chen. From traditional Chinese folk music to wartime songs such as Singing Girl Under the Iron Heel and Ode to the Great Wall, the performances showcased a wide spectrum of musical expression stirring both nostalgia and reflection. A lively rendition of the classic Chinese song Congratulations, Congratulations which was written in 1946 to celebrate the end of war sufferings added a memorable note to the evening.
By weaving history and music together, Quest for Peace reminded us not to forget the past, but to carry forward the values of peace, justice, and reconciliation into the future. Only through mutual respect and understanding can true peace be achieved.
