Revisiting the China Now Festival

The US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music promotes the study, performance, and appreciation of music from contemporary China, and supports musical exchange between the United States and China. In partnership with the Central Conservatory of Music in China, the Institute launched the Chinese Music Development Initiative, consisting of several components including the first undergraduate degree program in Chinese instrument performance in the West, tåhe annual China Now Music Festival, scholarly conferences, and other educational programs.

Looking Back -

THE 2019 CHINA NOW MUSIC FESTIVAL

CHINA AND AMERICA — UNITY IN MUSIC

September 25 to October 6, 2019

Bard College | Carnegie Hall | Stanford University

The 2nd annual China Now Music Festival celebrated milestones in the history of U.S.-China relations through music, and featured the world premiere of a symphonic oratorio by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Zhou Long. Honoring Chinese workers on the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, Men of Iron and the Golden Spike was first performed at Carnegie Hall and then again at Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University. Now, the full Stanford concert featuring this important new work is available to view online.

From the Middle Kingdom to the Wild West

Sunday, October 6, Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University

PROGRAM

Men of Iron and the Golden Spike 铁汉金钉 – a symphonic oratorio

A major new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Zhou Long and lyricist Su Wei for full symphony orchestra, soloists and a mixed chorus in honor of the Chinese railroad workers of the American West. The work reflects the epic history of nearly 20,000 Chinese laborers who contributed to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 150 years ago.

Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海经 – concerto for orchestra

a new symphonic work by Zhou Long inspired by the ancient Chinese classic text “Shan Hai Jing.”

The Orchestra Now performed, conducted by Jindong Cai, with the China Now Music Festival chorus and soloists.