The Rainbow Chamber Singers, a Shanghai-based choir, will present a free online concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 on the Tencent Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music and WeSing apps, bringing their new songs to fans.

The Rainbow Chamber Singers was founded in 2010 by young conductor Jin Chengzhi and his fellow students at the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Now, the choir, consisting of amateurs from all walks of life, performs original choral pieces, which mix classical music with comedic lyrics and social commentary.

Many of the choir’s songs have gone viral due to their lyrics, such as “Where on Earth Did You Leave the Key, Zhang Shichao?” written in early 2016. Jin wrote the song in just three hours after his roommate Zhang Shichao had left with the keys to their shared apartment. With simple lyrics stating Jin’s frustration and anger over not being able to get in touch with Zhang despite repeated phone calls, the song is divided into sections that include a combination of choral verses with elements from “Sancta Maria,” a soprano aria based on the opera, “Rustic Chivalry,” and one of Taiwan pop singer Jay Chou’s hits, “Cowboy on the Run.”

Jin — who describes himself as a “rational optimist” — said that his work comes from his own experiences and anxieties, but that he hopes the songs can bring people understanding and hope for life. “Good music must be diverse,” Jin said. “If you stick to something for no reason, the art will lose its original charm.”

The choir’s approach has proved a hit with audiences of all ages.(SD News)