As the curtain fell on a spectacular evening, the Lunar New Year Concert and celebration, hosted by the Center on Chinese Education on February 8th, was a resounding success. The event, held in Milbank Chapel for performances and Horace Mann 152 for dining and mini activities, attracted around 300 enthusiastic faculty, students, and members of the community, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic expressions.
The concert kicked off with heartfelt opening remarks from Dr. Janice Robinson, Vice President of Diversity and Community Affairs, and Dr. Henan Cheng, Deputy Director of the Center on Chinese Education, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and cultural exchange.
Opening Remark by Dr. Janice Robinson
Opening Remarks by Dr. Henan Cheng
Jinyao (left) and Ruohao (right) are hosting the show
The lineup featured an array of performances that captivated the audience, starting with a mesmerizing Guzheng rendition of "China-E" by Joanna Yang, paired with a captivating calligraphy performance by Yuxuan Chen, creating a perfect blend of visual and auditory artistry. Pianist Chen Wang immersed audiences in the romantic beauty of the traditional Chinese piece “Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon.”
Guzheng and Calligraphy by Joanna and Sean
The Plus86 Dance Crew then took the stage with their dynamic K-pop number "Catallena," infusing the night with their infectious energy and charm. Following this, the classical strains of "Gretchen am Spinnrade" filled the air, masterfully delivered by Wang Chenxin in his bel canto performance with Qilei Huang on piano.
Messo-soprano by Chenxin Wang and Qilei Huang
In a spirited continuation, the New York Heartstring Chamber Singers presented "Chile Song" and "Big Fish," as their harmonious vocals echoed tales of ancient lore and serene landscapes. The rhythm shifted as Yami Cao and her friends Tre and Ethan beautifully executed the graceful dance piece of "Three Stages of Love,"a perfect combination of cultural diversity and international cooperation.
Three Stages of Love by Yami, Tre, and Ethan
The soprano singer Lisa Deahlin is a staff member from the Department of International and Transcultural Studies and performed a few songs. Her rendition of "It May Be," accompanied by Ge Tang, offered a soothing and touching interlude to the audience. The song 'It May Be' is based on a text by the poet Wendell Berry. Lisa came across this poem in June of 2020, as New York City was well into lockdown due to the pandemic. Lisa asked her composer friend to set this poem as a song. Tu Yuchen's viola performance of "I Love You" tugged at heartstrings with its beautiful melody. Yurong Bao's "The Peach Blossom Smiles" created a vivid image of peach blossoms. The concert reached its grand finale in "Selections from Dream of Red Mansions" by the Columbia Chinese Orchestra, a stirring tribute to one of China's literary treasures.
Soprano solo by Lisa Deahlin
Selections from Dream of Red Mansion by Columbia Chinese Orchestra
Group Photo for Performers and Guests
Following the concert, attendees transitioned to a Lunar New Year feast in Horace Mann 152, engaging in mini activities that included calligraphy, paper cutting, crafting Year of the Dragon-themed handicrafts, and solving lantern riddles, all of which added layers of cultural immersion and festive joy to the evening.
Post-performance, food, and social
HM 152 food and snacks
Calligraphy and Paper Cutting at HM 152
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the performers for their stunning presentations and to every attendee for their participation and enthusiasm. This event was not merely a celebration of the Lunar New Year, but also a testament to the power of art and culture in connecting people. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future, continuing to foster a sense of community and shared experiences.