Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Lunar New Year with 2nd Annual Concert and Celebration

The BSO honors the global holiday with special performances and cultural activities

(January 09, 2024) – Continuing a new tradition set last season, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcomes the Year of the Dragon with its second annual Lunar New Year performance at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Thursday, February 8 at 7 pm.

This year’s Lunar New Year concert celebrates Asian music and culture with South Korean Conductor Moon Doh; Canadian pianist and First Prize winner and Gold Medalist at the First China International Music Competition, Tony Siqi Yun, and acclaimed Chinese erhu player, Cathy Yang.

Moon Doh will lead the orchestra in a program featuring works by Huan-Zhi Li, Tan Dun, Ravel, Shostakovich, and more. The family-friendly celebration begins with a pre-concert in the historic Meyerhoff lobby with cultural performances, delicious fare for purchase from NiHao, Ekiben, and Eli Mochi, photo opportunities, and paper lantern painting. Post-concert there will be a collaborative performance by string musicians from area youth orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras (BSYO), Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO), Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), Howard County Youth Orchestras (HCYO) and the Peabody Preparatory program —all to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

“The BSO’s Lunar New Year event celebrates our region’s cultural diversity and musical excellence,” said Mark C. Hanson, BSO President and CEO. “Featuring a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary compositions, we’re honored to showcase the rich tapestry of Asian music and culture.”

Under the curatorial direction of BSO cellist, Bo Li who makes his return as Program Advisor, and with the support of additional members of the Orchestra, this Lunar New Year Concert marks the continuation of the BSO’s intentional expansion of AAPI programming. The program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

2^nd Annual Lunar New Year Concert and Celebration
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD, 21201

Artists

Moon Doh, conductor
Tony Siqi Yun, piano
Cathy Yang, erhu

Repertoire

AN-LUN HUANG “Saibei Dance” from Saibei Suite No. 2
RAVEL III. Laideronnette, the Empress of the Pagodas from Mother Goose Suite
TAN DUN Crouching Tiger Concerto for Erhu and Chamber Orchestra
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Eternal Vow
Farewell
TRADITIONAL (ARR. ZOU YE) “Jasmine Flower”
HUAN-ZHI LI Spring Festival Overture
GUAN XIA Overture to Symphony No. 1
CHEN QIGANG Er Huang for Piano and Orchestra
LEE JI SOO Arirang Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra
SHOSTAKOVICH Festive Overture

Doors open at 5 pm for pre-concert festivities. The concert begins at 7 pm. The Lunar New Year Concert and Celebration is a part of the BSO’s Kids Listen Free program where children ages 7-17 may attend free with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information and tickets, visit BSOmusic.org.