Chinese New Year Showcase: Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year Showcase: Year of the Snake

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Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM (Concert attendees must arrive by 3:45 PM.)
Venue: Harris Theater for Music and Dance – Chicago, IL
Admission: Free! (Reservation required.)

The Chicago Philharmonic and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China present the second annual Chinese New Year Showcase, following the sold-out success of the inaugural event in 2024. Joining Chicago Philharmonic’s extraordinary chamber musicians are pipa virtuoso Yang Wei and the talented young RDFZ Art Troupe from Beijing.

This Concert is SOLD OUT

Ticket reservations for this free event have all been claimed. But don’t worry! There still may be a chance to attend. SIGN UP HERE to receive notice if more tickets become available, as well as information regarding a day-of performance standby line.

Already reserved a ticket but can’t attend? Please email the Harris Theater Box Office as soon as possible at info@harristheaterchicago.org so we can make your tickets available to others. Thank you!

Important Ticketing Policies:

✔ Limit: 4 tickets per person.
✔ Digital tickets will be distributed via email 48 hours before the concert.
✔ Tickets are void if patrons do not arrive by 3:45 PM on the day of concert.
✔ Unoccupied seats will be released 15 minutes prior to the concert.

PLEASE NOTE:
To ensure we can accommodate as many attendees as possible for this free event, all ticket holders must arrive by 3:45 PM to guarantee their seats. Since not all reserved seats may be used, unoccupied seats will be released 15 minutes before the concert to those on standby. First come, first served.

Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble Musicians:

Kuang-Hao Huang, Piano
Jeff Yang, Violin
Helen Kim Lee, Violin
Bruno Vaz da Silva, Viola
Mara McClain, Cello

About the Pre-Concert Performance

The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society (Ren Yi) present a vibrant showcase of traditional Chinese dance and music, celebrating cultural heritage through art. This special performance will take place from 3:15 to 3:30 PM in the Level 1 Lobby of the Harris Theater.

• Qipao Dance – “Beauty in Rain Alley” (3 min)
  Performers: Bing Liu, Liyun Barone, Xu Wang, Jenny Wang, Hongwei Xu
  Description: This elegant dance highlights the qipao, a symbol of Chinese femininity and cultural identity, blending tradition with modern aesthetics.
• Guzheng Performance – “Orchid Flower” & “Golden Snake Dancing” (5 min)
  Performer: Helin Wang
  Description: The guzheng (古筝), a 2,500-year-old Chinese zither, produces enchanting melodies with its steel strings and pentatonic scale.
• Tibetan Folk Dance – “Festive Toasting & Singing” (3 min)
  Performers: Xu Wang, Wei Rao
  Description: A lively Tibetan duet celebrating joy, unity, and tradition.

About Chicago Philharmonic

Founded in 1989 by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic Society is dedicated to reimagining the orchestra concert experience. With nearly 200 musician members and a unique system of musician governance, Chicago Philharmonic is recognized as one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country.

Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the world’s greatest artists across multiple genres. Past partnerships include Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Kishi Bashi, The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more.

Since Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree Terell Johnson became Executive Director in 2021, the orchestra has continued to expand its artistic reach and push the boundaries of symphonic performance. Notable recent milestones include a history-making debut at Lollapalooza as the first orchestra to perform at the festival, a sold-out Carnegie Hall debut with Sleeping At Last, and a world premiere tribute to Whitney Houston at Ravinia Festival. From groundbreaking live film concerts to dynamic collaborations with today’s most exciting artists, Chicago Philharmonic remains at the forefront of innovation and inclusion in the city’s performing arts landscape.

Learn more at www.chicagophil.org.

About Yang Wei

Yang Wei’s musical education began at the early age of six. As a young student of music, he received instruction in several different classical Chinese instruments. At 13, the decision was made to concentrate his considerable talents upon mastering the Pipa.

The years of study and dedication began to pay off at 18 when he performed as a soloist with the National Shanghai Orchestra. This accomplishment was followed by his achievement of the ART Trophy First Prize for the International Chinese Musical Instruments Competition, in the Young Professional Pipa Section, which he was awarded in 1989.

As a professional musician, he has been celebrated worldwide, performing for and inspiring audiences throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. His professional activities have included performing as a soloist with various orchestras and in various ensembles, teaching and participating in educational programs in both public and educational settings. Since 2000, Yang Wei has toured with the acclaimed  Silk Road Project performing alongside world famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In the United States, he has performed at such known venues as the Ravinia International Music Festival, the Kimmel Center, the Lincoln Center and the Chicago Symphony Center. In addition to these performances, he has served as Artist-in-Residence for the Art Institute of Chicago and has led international music lectures. He has been instrumental in commissioning new works by well-known composers such as Bright Sheng, Zhu Jianer, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Yao Chen.

In 1996, Yang moved permanently to the United States, making his home in the Chicago area.

About RDFZ Art Troupe

The Art Troupe of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ) comprises seven distinct groups: the dance team, boys’ dance team, symphony orchestra, martial arts team, aerobics team, choir, and electronic light music band. With over 300 members, the troupe is made up of junior and senior high school students aged 13 to 17, all excelling in both academics and artistic talent. The performers participating in the 2025 U.S. Performing Tour are proud members of this exceptional art troupe.

The dance team has consistently achieved remarkable success, securing first prize in the dance competition of the Beijing Student Art Festival for over a decade. Additionally, it has been awarded the gold prize four times for its exceptional performance and choreography in the National Primary and Middle School Student Art Performance.

The symphony orchestra has earned first prize in the instrumental competition at the Beijing Student Art Festival for over a decade and has claimed the top award in the orchestra category at the National Primary and Middle School Student Art Performance four times in a row. In 2006, the orchestra achieved international recognition by winning first prize in the orchestra category at the 35th Vienna International Youth Music Festival.

The choir has achieved significant accolades, including two first prizes in the teenage group at the China International Choir Festival and two consecutive gold medals at the National Primary and Middle School Student Art Performance. It has also secured gold medals at the Beijing Student Art Festival more than a dozen times. In 2019, the choir was honored by being elected as one of the directors of CHOIR—CHINA.

The boys’ dance team has consistently secured first prizes at the dance competitions of the Beijing Student Art Festival and the Haidian District Student Art Festival.

The martial arts team has regularly earned first prizes for its group performances at the National Middle School Martial Arts Championships and Beijing Middle School Martial Arts Competitions. In 2023, the team achieved further distinction by winning the gold medal in the campus group category at the first Student (Youth) Games of the People’s Republic of China.

The aerobics team has maintained a long-standing championship streak at the National Middle School Students’ Games and has achieved first place at the World Aerobics Championships three times.

Since 2004, under the appointment of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, and other national organizations, the RDFZ Art Troupe has been invited to perform in countries such as the United States, France, Austria, Russia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Australia, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, among others. The troupe has been warmly received worldwide, playing a vital role in fostering international cultural exchange.

Learn more about Chinese New Year!

Sponsors

This program is sponsored by Bank of China and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China.

Additionally, the pre-concert performances are organized by the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society (Ren Yi), both non profit organizations well known in the Chinese community for promoting culture, arts, and health.