The sixth annual China Now Music Festival closes with a symphonic concert in honor of the 70th year of two extraordinary Chinese American composers, Chen Yi and Zhou Long.
Zhou Long and Chen Yi, from the Wall Street Journal article by Sheila Melvin, 2003. Image courtesy of the artists.
The Orchestra Now and conductor Jindong Cai perform major works by the legendary couple, along with pieces by their mentor and teacher Chou Wen-Chung and two of their acclaimed students, Zhou Juan and Li Shaosheng.
Pre-concert talk with the composers at 2:15 PM.
Full program details below.
The Orchestra Now and conductor Jindong Cai at the Rose Theater. Photo by Chris Lee.
PROGRAM
Generational Crossings
Chou Wen-Chung 周文中 (1923-2019)
And the Fallen Petals 花落知多少
Zhou Juan 周娟 (b. 1981)
Pipa Concerto Half the Reason Is You 半缘君
Liu Xiaojing, pipa solo
Chen Yi 陈怡 (b. 1953)
Symphony No. 3: My Musical Journey to America
第三交响曲：我的音乐经历
i. The Dragon Culture 龙文化
ii. The Melting Pot 大熔炉
iii. Dreaming 惟有夜来归梦, 不知身在天涯
INTERMISSION 中场休息
Li Shaosheng 李劭晟 (b. 1988)
The Tale of the Southern Tour 南疆巡记
Zhou Long 周龙 (b. 1953)
Beijing Rhyme 京华风韵
i. Wind of Bell and Drum 钟鼓风
ii. Wind of Temple Festival 庙会风
iii. Wind of Beijing Rhyme 京韵风
iv. Wind of Hasty Beats 急急风
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Chen Yi and Zhou Long, two remarkable composers now in their 70th year, had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of the esteemed composer Chou Wen-Chung at Columbia University in the 1980s. Chou Wen-Chung was an acclaimed composer known for his innovative and evocative musical works. Born in Shandong province 100 years ago, in 1923, Chou's compositions reflect his deep connection to both Eastern and Western traditions.
Being deeply rooted in traditional Chinese music, Chen Yi and Zhou Long were heavily influenced by Chou Wen-Chung's fascination for exploring the intersection of different musical cultures. Over the decades of their storied careers in America, both composers have gained a remarkable ability to blend their cultural heritage with contemporary compositional techniques, resulting in a unique and captivating musical language.
Li Shaosheng and Zhou Juan are two outstanding young composers who had the privilege of studying under the guidance of Chen Yi and Zhou Long at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) before returning to their homeland to further their professional careers. As successful young composers now based in China, Li Shaosheng and Zhou Juan have inherited the rich musical traditions of their mentors, allowing them to develop unique and compelling musical voices. With a deep understanding of both Western and Chinese musical styles, each have created a body of work that bridges cultural boundaries and showcases their innovative approach to composition. Li Shaosheng and Zhou Juan's musical visions are a testament to the immense talent nurtured by the legacy of Chen Yi and Zhou Long.
three generations of composers
the conductors
the performers
The 2024 China Now Music Festival is presented in collaboration with the Central Conservatory of Music, China.