Chicago's Symphony Center Presents is happy to announce the program details for their second annual Chinese New Year Celebration concert scheduled for Sunday, February 21, at 3 p.m. Making its Chicago debut in this go around is the internationally acclaimed, Beijing-based China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (CBCO) led by its Music Director Pang Kapang. The program features folk orchestra performance of traditional musical selections for Chinese New Year.
The February 21 concert will include familiar traditional pieces such as "Spring Festival Prelude," the cheerful and well-known "Dance of the Yao People" and "Hauer Caprice" which features CSO cellist Katinka Kleijn and the CBCO's acclaimed banhu virtuoso Jiang Kemei as soloists. This lyrical selection comes from a popular Chinese film that tells the love story of a local girl and frontier guard set in China's Tanggula Mountains.
City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is quoted in a recent press release touting the concert as remarking how happy he and the city are to be taking part in the multi-week calendar of activities and programs meant to mark the Chinese New Year:
"Chinese New Year celebrations in Chicago are part of what makes our city unique and something that attracts visitors from across the world.
"I'm grateful to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center and all of our cultural partners for sharing these special Chinese New Year programs with us again this year."
Consul General of the People's Republic of China to Chicago Zhao Weiping seconded that emotion when speaking of the Chicago's recent enthusiasm in his country's tradition-rich culture:
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this special cultural exchange that features the best artists from China who will bring truly traditional Chinese music and China's rich cultural heritage to Chicago audiences."
Tickets for all CSOA-presented concerts can be purchased by phone at (800) 223-7114 or (312) 294-3000; online at their official website, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604.
Ticketholders are invited to come early on February 21 for a special preconcert performance, at the Grainger Ballroom at Symphony Center, featuring the Chinese Fine Arts Society Confucius Competition winners.
More information about the city-wide Chinese New Year celebrations is available at choosechicago.com/chinesenewyear.
