Blending heartfelt ballads with viral humor, the Rainbow Chamber Singers have become a cultural voice for a new generation. Founded by composer Jin Chengzhi, the choir transforms everyday life into song. CGTN's Wang Siwen met with Jin Chengzhi, founder and artistic director of the Rainbow Chamber Singers during their Beijing concert stop. 

CGTN: Since its founding by students in 2010, the Rainbow Chamber Singers has grown into a group of nearly 100 members and performed over 150 concerts. What stands out most from your journey since the beginning?

Jin: This is actually our sixth time performing in Beijing. I remember how nervous we were at the beginning, we always felt unprepared. In fact, each Beijing concert felt like an exam. But over time, we realized that even when we doubted ourselves, the audience's warm feedback gave us the courage to keep going.  Now, with today's performance, I finally feel we're ready. We've done our best with every piece, expressing the musical style, content, and emotion to the fullest. There’s no regret, just pure effort and passion.

CGTN: Rainbow's style has evolved over the years. How would you define its identity today?

Jin: At the core, Rainbow is about singing songs that are true to ourselves. That doesn't always mean original works, it's about singing what resonates with us at each stage of life. At 25, I had different thoughts than I do now at 35. Our songs reflect how we see and feel the world at that moment. It's about expressing real joy, sorrow, or any emotion that genuinely moves us.

CGTN: Your music is witty, emotional, and rooted in tradition. How do you balance fun and depth, along with modern and classic? And how do you keep young audiences engaged all the time?

Jin: I always try to stay honest with what I'm feeling in the moment. Just recently, we laughed about how we performed certain pieces in our 20s, we thought we had to sing high or sing happily. But now, I care more about using the music to explore what I'm really thinking and feeling. It's not about fitting into a fixed emotional box. It's about staying true to myself at this stage of life, what I want to express and what moves me now.

CGTN: From learning piano at age three, to the China Conservatory of Music, then Shanghai Conservatory where you founded Rainbow Chamber Singers in 2010, what moments shaped your musical path along this amazing journey?

Jin: In college, I joined a student choir, and that's when I truly discovered the magic of choral singing. As a child, I sang in choirs but didn't really understand it. Later, I realized the beauty lies in people coming together to complete something bigger than themselves. It's not just conducting that I love, it's the whole process of making music with others.

CGTN: Many choir members sing as a passionate hobby. How do you lead such a diverse group to perform at a professional level?

Jin: What makes Rainbow special is the members' dedication. Even though they're not professionals, their time commitment often rivals that of full-time singers. We have a "homework" system, and some members treat this choir as their main hobby. I'm truly grateful for that. Our relationship is mutual – they trust me, and I value their honest feedback. That energy keeps us going.

CGTN: What's next after this tour – what's your vision for the future of Rainbow?

Jin: Right now, we're running three parallel projects: the Living in Love! concert series, our music festival appearances, and larger productions like our choral theater works. The energy comes from both sides, the performers and the audience. Some audience members even become singers. It's a cycle of inspiration that never seems to run dry. That's what keeps me going and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it.