HONG KONG, January 3rd
Where love meets melody, education lights the future: Shirley and her friends performed a heartwarming New Year charity concert that merged artistic passion with a noble mission.
At just 15 years old, rising vocalist and Girls Rise Global founder Shirley joined forces with like-minded friends and acclaimed musicians for “Shirley and Friends – A New Year Charity Concert” at the Methodist International Church Hong Kong. This much-anticipated event aimed to raise funds for global girls’ education through the power of music, turning every note of passion into a force for transforming lives.
Caption: Event flyer
A Year 11 student at Wycombe Abbey School in the UK, Shirley has lived and studied in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the UK. Her diverse cross-cultural background has deepened her understanding of the pivotal role that educational equity plays in girls’ growth. A devoted lover of classical music with a focus on bel canto and opera, she firmly believes in music’s unique ability to connect hearts and convey kindness. “I truly believe music can soften the world and inspire goodness in people’s hearts,” Shirley shared sincerely. “Girls’ education is a light that brightens the future – I hope my songs can bring hope and strength to more girls, giving them the chance to pursue their dreams, achieve independence, and thrive through education.”
Caption: Shirley and her friend are performing at the concert
The launch of this concert would not have been possible without the strong support and meticulous guidance of Shirley’s music teacher – renowned lyric-soprano Li Yang. A versatile artist who masters a wide range of repertoires and operatic roles, Li Yang has portrayed iconic characters such as Micaëla in Carmen and Liù in Turandot. She has also performed as a soloist in major works including Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, Verdi’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana, collaborating extensively with numerous internationally acclaimed conductors. Upon learning of her student’s charitable vision, Li Yang readily joined the effort –not only providing vocal coaching to Shirley and her friends but also passing on the belief that “music can convey profound values” through her own artistic experience. “Shirley’s passion and sense of responsibility fill me with pride,” Li Yang stated. “Girls’ education is a cause worthy of global attention, and using music as a bridge to support this vision is the responsibility and honor of an artist.”
Caption: Li Yang and the invited musicians
This heartwarming charitable concert has also garnered enthusiastic responses from a lineup of top musicians, becoming a collective commitment to philanthropy that transcends borders and disciplines. Among them is versatile musician Jason Liu, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s music scene who excels as a collaborative pianist, conductor, and composer. Having collaborated closely with various prestigious ensembles, Jason Liu has seen his works performed worldwide and has garnered international awards – and he brought his professional musical expertise to enhance the concert’s presentation.
The event featured a diverse array of performances including solos, duets, and ensembles, blending youthful energy with artistic depth. Audiences could look forward to an immersive musical experience that warms the heart while highlighting the power of philanthropy. It was announced that all proceeds from the concert would be fully donated to Girl Up, a non-profit initiative under the United Nations Foundation. These funds will be earmarked for educational programs supporting underprivileged girls in developing countries, providing them with learning opportunities and building bridges for their growth.
Caption: Shirley poses with her teacher and guest performers
From the charitable vision of a young vocalist and her friends to the collective support of renowned musicians, this concert has transcended the boundaries of a mere artistic performance. It stands as a vivid testament to “empowering philanthropy through music and safeguarding ideals through action.” As Shirley reflected after the event, “This was not just my cause, but a shared vision for everyone who believes in the power of education and loves music.”
About Girls Rise Global
Girls Rise Global is founded by 15-year-old singer Shirley. It’s a London-based community organization under Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative dedicated to advancing girls’ education, leadership, and empowerment in developing regions.
Website：https://www.girlriseglobal.org/
INSTAGRAM: girl_rise_global