“The Sound of Spring” Reviewed in China Daily
Yan Guowei performs “Ink Plum” at “The Sound of Spring” concert at Lincoln Center in New York City on Jan 26. Photo by Fadi Kheir
China Daily reviewed “The Sound of Spring,” Bard Conservatory of Music’s US–China Music Institute and China's Central Conservatory of Music’s sixth annual Chinese new year concert with The Orchestra Now (TŌN). “I think the relationship between the US and China is important, it's very important, especially in contemporary times. The two biggest countries in the world need to connect together. I think music has been one of the tools to connect people,” said maestro Jindong Cai, director of the US–China Music Institute.
Each year, “The Sound of Spring” showcases exemplary symphonic works from the modern and contemporary repertoire, often featuring concertos for traditional Chinese instruments. This year included the world premiere of “Majestic Gallop,” a piece inspired by the vast Mongolian grasslands of Hulunbuir, galloping horses, and the simple life of herders, composed by Bard Visiting Professor of Chinese Music Xinyan Li and performed by sheng virtuoso Wang Lei. “The sheng is an amazing, brilliant instrument. It has more than 3,000 years of history and shares a similar mechanism as an accordion or organ. Whichever country music comes from, they should blend with each other. When we play Chinese and Western music together, it is a great way to collaborate,” said Wang.
Further reading:
“Sound of Spring” concert held in New York City to celebrate Chinese New Year (People’s Daily Online)
Chinese New Year Concert at Bard (The Millbrook Independent)
Post Date: 01-28-2025
Each year, “The Sound of Spring” showcases exemplary symphonic works from the modern and contemporary repertoire, often featuring concertos for traditional Chinese instruments. This year included the world premiere of “Majestic Gallop,” a piece inspired by the vast Mongolian grasslands of Hulunbuir, galloping horses, and the simple life of herders, composed by Bard Visiting Professor of Chinese Music Xinyan Li and performed by sheng virtuoso Wang Lei. “The sheng is an amazing, brilliant instrument. It has more than 3,000 years of history and shares a similar mechanism as an accordion or organ. Whichever country music comes from, they should blend with each other. When we play Chinese and Western music together, it is a great way to collaborate,” said Wang.
Further reading:
“Sound of Spring” concert held in New York City to celebrate Chinese New Year (People’s Daily Online)
Chinese New Year Concert at Bard (The Millbrook Independent)
Post Date: 01-28-2025