About Us

Founded in March 2015 by the Pennsylvania Oriental Culture Foundation, the Philadelphia Melody Performing Arts Association (PMPAA) is an organization that is dedicated to the promotion of Chinese culture and Chinese heritage conservation. The group is comprised of two volunteer entities: Melody Chorus and Melody Dance Group.

As part of our mission in advocating and creating awareness of Chinese traditional music and dance in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company offers a variety of training programs to the public which include chorus and dancing. We also provide numerous performing opportunities at prestigious events and shows throughout the region to create interaction and collaboration between our members and the local communities. We are proud to showcase the beauty and power of our culture with the community.

Philadelphia Melody Choir

Philadelphia Melody Choir was established in 2015 under the leadership of the renowned chorus director: Mr. Wanjun Qiao. The Choir consists of over 80 members. Training classes are held on a regular basis and members gain knowledge in the fundamentals of both traditional and classical songs to develop a strong foundation that is essential for becoming a true expert in the art of singing and performing.

Philadelphia Melody Dance Troupe

Philadelphia Melody Dance Troupe was founded in 2009 with members from all walks of life. Under the guidance of its artistic director Ms. Wenjun Guo, the troupe strives to maintain the integrity and discipline of traditional dance principles while embracing the fun and freedom of the more contemporary styles so that it may share the beauty and intricacy of Chinese dance with a broader audience. The troupe has performed numerous shows throughout the Philadelphia region and has often shared the same stage with visiting professional artists from mainland China.

Kelly Ye, Conductor (2022 - present)


From Hangzhou, China, Kelly Ye received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Music Theory & Composition summa cum laude from Westminster Choir College. She is currently pursuing her Master of Voice Performance and Pedagogy from the same institution. Her teachers have included Dr. Kathy Price, Dr. Rochelle Ellis, and Dr. Akiko Hosaki for voice, Dr. James Goldsworthy for piano, Dr. Stefan Young, Dr. Ronald Hemmal and Dr. Jay Kawarsky for composition, and Tom Shelton for conducting. She has sung under the direction of conductors, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Stéphane Denève, she has also been present as a participant in conducting masterclasses with Dr. Joe Miller, Mark Gibbson, Dr. Ryan Brandeau, Dr. Amanda Quist, and Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. She is currently a conductor for the Melody Choir in Philadelphia, PA, and Spruce Run Lutheran Church in Glen Gardner, NJ.

Wanjun Qiao, Former Conductor (2015 - 2020) 

Mr. Wanjun Qiao is a highly regarded musical artist among Chinese communities based in Boston. An award-winning conductor, he has led choruses to earn top honors at international competitions, including gold and silver prizes at the Vienna World Choral Festival, the World Choral Competition in Montreal, the World Choir Games in Xiamen, and the International Chorus Festival in Beijing. He serves as a conductor for the North American Chorus Association, Boston Eastern Heritage Chorus, and several Chinese choruses across Greater Boston, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Since 1997, he has organized numerous successful events in Boston and New England, such as China Today, Colorful Guizhou, Yellow River Cantata, and concerts featuring renowned artists like Lu Siqing and Yin Chengzong. Known for his artistic talent, achievements, and personal integrity, Mr. Qiao has made significant contributions to the cultural and musical landscape, earning widespread respect in both China and the U.S. 

Ma Weiwei, Dance Instructor

Ms. Ma Weiwei graduated with a Choreography major from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Academy of Arts and holds an MFA degree from Temple University. She is an outstanding dance teacher and choreographer, having taught Chinese classical dance and choreography courses at the Dance Department of Beijing Contemporary Music Academy. Currently (2022-2023), she is a guest artistic choreographer at Performance Garage and her dance works have been selected by ACDFA for performance.

Ms. Ma  is a leader dancer in the professional contemporary dance company KYL/D.