Shen Yun currently boasts eight equally sized dance companies, which tour around the world every year, bringing the enchanting beauty of Chinese performing arts to audiences globally. Each company is accompanied by its own live orchestra, enriching the performances with vibrant traditional music.
This particular concert features musicians from two of the Shen Yun orchestras, namely the first and sixth teams. They have gathered to present a captivating array of classical pieces, showcasing the talents of both seasoned professionals and dedicated students.
Among the performers are also apprentice musicians from the Feitian Academy of the Arts. Based in New York, the Feitian Academy is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education that is committed to preserving, developing, and promoting traditional performing arts and culture. As part of their academic experience, students have opportunities to participate in internships, allowing them to perform alongside Shen Yun musicians on stage, thereby gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Don’t miss the premiere of this concert, which will transition to a paid program after its initial broadcast. Mark your calendars for Saturday evening at 8 PM Eastern Time!
The concert includes a wide range of compositions, beginning with Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concerto in E minor, RV 483, featuring the first movement: Allegro. The piece was composed by the renowned Antonio Vivaldi, with the bassoon beautifully rendered by Qiu Wanrong and supported by a string ensemble.
Next is “Cloud Garment Express,” composed by Zhou Yuguo, with arrangements by Deng Jiandong. The performance features the erhu, played by Ma Kaiqi, alongside pianist Wang Guangkun.
Following this, the concert will showcase Brahms’ Third Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 108, culminating in the fourth movement: Allegro non troppo. Renowned composer Johannes Brahms lends his genius to this piece, performed by violinist Li Yuancheng and pianist Xin Lian.
Additionally, the concert includes “The Bard’s Farewell to His Hometown,” composed by John Thomas, featuring the harp played by Yan Zilian.
The concert also presents Wieniawski’s Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 15. This piece by Henri Vieuxtemps is performed by the talented Cao Chengzhen on violin, accompanied again by pianist Xin Lian.
One of the highlights is “Imagining Clouds, Imagining Flowers,” composed by Wang Danhong, showcasing the pipa performed by Yuan Xiaofeng, together with pianist Cai Haina.
Wrapping up this stunning concert is Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat major, Op. 20, which begins with a gentle Andante followed by a lively Allegro. This masterpiece by Ludwig van Beethoven features an ensemble comprising violinist Zhang Ruyi, violist Su Ruihan, cellist Zheng Yuliang, double bassist Zhang Yachun, bassoonist Qiu Wanrong, clarinetist Huang Yuqi, and French horn player Wang Tianyu.
For those interested in further involvement with Shen Yun, you can follow their social media channels for updates and announcements.
Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of traditional arts that Shen Yun continually strives to uphold and share with the world.