B A L T I M O R E S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A
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NEWS OF NOTE
New Year , New Concerts .
On January 13 , 2023 the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra proudly presented its inaugural Lunar New Year Concert , with pre- and post-concert events . Before the concert , the Meyerhoff lobby transformed into a community stage framed by red lanterns , with a robust line up of glorious culturally significant performances including Korean Han Pan ( hand drum ), a traditional Chinese Women ’ s costume runway show featuring Peking Opera music , and Korean Steppingstone Nanta ( stick drum ). In addition to the vibrant performances , concertgoers also enjoyed family-friendly activities including photo opportunities , Chinese paper cutting , a traditional Korean costume display , a Chinese instrument display and petting zoo , and Chinese and Korean calligraphy .
The concert was a riveting display of artistic prowess . Yue Bao , assistant conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra led the Orchestra in a program featuring works by renowned composers , including Mozart , Dvořák , and Huanzhi . Violin soloist Stella Chen , winner of the Queen Elisabeth International Competition performed
( Left ) Maryland AP Commissioner , Mi Schill Kim and Ju Sang Hee from the Korean Culture & Art of Maryland with BSO , President & CEO Mark C . Hanson , musicians Bo Li and Boram Kang , and volunteers with the Proclamation of Lunar New Year Day .
Chen Gang and He Zhanhao ’ s “ Butterfly Lovers Concerto ” and Ravel ’ s “ Tzigane for Violin and Orchestra ”. Joining the program , rising international opera star , soprano Hera Hyesang Park performed works by Mozart , Joowon Kim , and more .
Finally , violin soloist Stella Chen and BSO musicians performed traditional Korean and Chinese tunes alongside a Student String Ensemble featuring young musicians from the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra , Howard County Gifted and Talented Youth Orchestra , and Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra .
A gesture befitting the occasion , Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation commemorating Lunar New Year Day throughout the state . Under the curatorial direction of an artistic advisor and BSO cellist Bo Li , and with the support of additional members of the Orchestra , this Lunar New Year Concert marks the first in an intentional expansion of AAPI programming . This expansion will largely inform our programming for our exciting upcoming season !
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