From October 21 to November 10, 20009, Carnegie Hall presented Ancient Paths,

From October 21 to November 10, 20009, Carnegie Hall presented Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture, paying tribute to China’s diverse and vibrant culture and its influence around the world with 21 days of events at Carnegie Hall and throughout the city at New York partner institutions.

The festival closed in New York at Carnegie Hall last night, November 10 with a performance by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra-the oldest symphonic ensemble in China-led by its newly appointed Music Director Long Yu at Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. The program featured Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with guest soloist Lang Lang and Chen Qigang’s Iris dévoilée, a suite from 2001 written for grand orchestra, female voices, and three Chinese instruments.

The closing event performed by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra was terrific! We were invited to the special journey for 2 hours which was very peaceful, calm and provided escape from the crowded and noisy city, New York. Its beautiful sound definitely delighted the New York audience and provoked greater interest in Chinese music. All the seats in Carnegie Hall were completely filled with audience members touched by the performance. The performance was lavishly praised by the audience!