East Meets West Orchestral Concert features a unique blend of classical music from the acclaimed Chinese masterpieces, Spring Festival Suite and Tune of Meihu, and the world-famous Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1.

The 50-piece orchestra from Willoughby Symphony will be led by emerging Australian-Chinese conductor Shilong Ye. The guest soloists include award-winning pianist Tony Tongyi Lee, leading Erhu player Tuqiang Zhang, Opera Australia's popular soprano Sharon Zhai, etc.

A rare opportunity to experience an Australian tribute to the eastern musical heritage, this will be an exceptional evening that must not be missed.

"a blooming program of classic Chinese repertoire, capped off with Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.” - Limelight Magazine

The repertoire is a combination of traditional and contemporary music from the east and the west. Popular Australian-Chinese pianist Tony Lee will play the legendary Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1. The orchestration and dynamics are truly world-class; this is a composition of such commitment, strength, and refinement that always leaves the audience captivated. A joyful exuberant piece, Spring Festival Suite, evoking the sprightly energy of the Chinese New Year celebrations, will highlight the concert with its grand returns to the stage with delightful festival ambience. The leading Erhu player Tuqiang Zhang will perform the popular Chinese folk song Tune of Meihu, a classic piece of the well-established Qin Erhu originated from yellow river civilisation, will cheer up the community with the high spirits and unwavering conviction conveyed from the melody. Traditional Chinese instruments will be played to present the Chinese classic New Horse Racing, depicting the exciting scene of the Mongolian traditional horse racing festival, bringing a lively festival vibe to the crowd.

Program

1. Spring Festival Suite, composed by Huanzhi Li

2. Tune of Meihu, Erhu solo: Tuqiang Zhang, composed by Rirong Lu

3. New Horse Racing, composer Haihuai Huang, arranged by Yaoxing Chen and Jun ChenErhu: Tuqiang Zhang, Ashely Sui; Pipa: Zina Fan; Yangqin: Angela Feng

4. Pamir My Beautiful Homeland, composer Qiufeng Zheng, Soprano: Sharon Zhai

5. On Wings of Song, composer Felix Mendelssohn, Soprano: Sharon Zhai

6. Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1, Pianist: Tony Dongyi Lee

Sydney Town Hall, Sunday 6 March 2022, 7:30 pm