Chinese New Year Celebration Concert

XIAN ZHANG conductor
ERIC WYRICK violin | JONATHAN SPITZ cello | MIN KWON piano
PEKING UNIVERSITY ALUMNI CHORUS
THE NEW YORK FESTIVAL SINGERS
STARRY ARTS GROUP CHILDREN’S CHORUS Rebecca Shen, director
NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY Nai-Ni Chen, choreographer
EDISON CHINESE SCHOOL LION DANCE TEAM
ELENA KAMPOURIS host
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Start a new tradition at the NJSO’s first-ever Chinese New Year celebration, conducted by Xian Zhang. Musical riches abound in this program that blends Eastern and Western musical traditions. Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture is beloved in China yet almost reminiscent of Copland’s America. Songs and arias from opera and traditional Chinese culture show that music bridges all cultures. Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with pianist Min Kwon brings all elements of this sumptuously crafted program together in a joyful performance.

TRADITIONAL Dragon Dance
LI HUANZHI Spring Festival Overture
TAN DUN The Triple Resurrection
VERDI “Anvil Chorus” from Il Trovatore
BEETHOVEN Choral Fantasy
PUCCINI “Humming Chorus” from Madama Butterfly            
PUCCINI “Jasmine Chorus” from Turandot
TRADITIONAL CHINESE SONG/arr. Nicholas Hersh: 送别 “Farewell”

Please note: This performance is 80 minutes with no intermission.

Lobby Festival begins at 6 pm
Delight in a happy celebration of the Year of the Pig with special pre-concert festivities for the whole family, including traditional Chinese music performers, calligraphy demonstrations, crafts and more.