the United States and China Foundation( www.uscfinfo.org) is a non-profit organization has been engaging in promoting the friendship between America and China since its inception, focusing on the mission of bridging the hearts of American and Chinese people. We firmly believe that a strong and good relationship between China and America will be beneficial to America and China and their people, also beneficial to the peace, stability and development of the world. The year 2007 will mark the 35th anniversary of former US President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China as well as that of the signing of the Sino-US Shanghai Joint Communiqué. The United States and China Foundation (USCF), will host a solo concert of Julia Zhu, Artistic Director of USCF to pay tribute to this historic event.

The redwood tree planted by Chinese and American pioneers has become a forest, providing shade for future generations. Today, countless Chinese and Americans benefit from the friendship brought by this redwood tree. And this is due to the strong and good relationship between China and America, which is built on the solid foundation laid down by Premier Zhou En Lai, President Richard Nixon, Dr. Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and other leaders of their generation.

Listening to the sweet and moving melody of the song of the Redwood, being inspired by the foresight and courage of the American and Chinese pioneers breaking the ice, we will make further contribution to the more stable relationship between China and America and the peace and development of the world for our future generations.

Miss Julia (Jiali) Zhu, Soprano

Julia Zhu is a Chinese soprano who has won awards and gained recognition both in the US and in China. She is currently enrolled as a graduate student in the Chinese Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Her Chinese vocal teacher, Prof. Jin Tie Lin, the President of the Conservatory, is China's most famous vocal educator. Julia is also studying under Ms. Liang Ning, one of the best western opera performers in the world (mezzo-soprano) and the Special Guest Director of the Vocal Department of the Conservatory. Julia, fortunate to be studying with respective masters of western and Chinese music, will receive her master’s degree from the National Conservatory next summer. Former US President Bush met Julia Zhu at the People's Hall in Beijing in 2004. During the meeting, former US President Bush encouraged Julia Zhu to hold her solo concert in his hometown ---Houston.

Encouraged by former President H.W. Bush, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and the First Chinese Ambassador to the US and the Honorary Chairman of US-China Foundation Chai Zemin, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, and many other leaders and well-known friends/celebrities in both the US and China, Julia Zhu will hold this solo concert. She will be the first singer to perform both Chinese and Western/American songs at a solo concert.

On December 14, a news conference for this Julia Zhu's solo concert was successfully held in Houston. Hundreds of guests attending this event, included US Congressman, politicians, Chinese Consul General in Houston, Chinese Vice Consul General in Houston and other celebrities from culture, education, media and business communities. Julia Zhu sang six Chinese and western songs with different vocal styles. Her distinctive and beautiful singing; masterful and soulful performance greatly impressed the guests and gained high praise from mainstream media in the US. (please ref. to the web at www.famehall.com or www.uscfinfo.org for more infomation).