A festival that pays tribute to China's diverse and vibrant culture and its influence around the world opened in New York on Wednesday.
"Perhaps more than ever before, the incredibly vibrant aspects of China and its culture have captured the imagination of the world today," said Clive Gillinson, Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, which is hosting Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture.
"China's extraordinary cultural heritage is one of the oldest and most remarkable in the world -- a fact made even more impressive when you consider how the country's ancient folk traditions inform its equally dynamic contemporary music and arts scene," he said, adding that China had made a huge impact on artists working around the world, and "we wanted to take the opportunity to explore this ongoing influence within our festival."
"As we look further into the 21st century, we know that China will have an increasingly central role to play globally. Our hope is that this festival will serve as a launching point to encourage a greater understanding of this fascinating country, inspiring greater curiosity about its music, art, and history," he added.
"Ancient Paths, Modern Voices," lasts for 21 days and features performances by leading international musicians, including some artists traveling outside China for the first time.
Festival performances will feature many genres of music – from Western symphonic and chamber music influenced by Chinese culture to Chinese traditional folk music and contemporary music, including premieres by internationally recognized Chinese composers.
The festival exploration also includes a wide variety of other offerings, including traditional marionette theater, dance, film screenings, calligraphy, panel discussions, and art exhibitions, offering insights into a world that mixes the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the cutting-edge.
With more than 30 events, the reach of "Ancient Paths, Modern Voices" in New York will be extended throughout the city through partnerships between Carnegie Hall and other prestigious cultural institutions, including the Asia Society, China Institute, and Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
Pianist Lang Lang will make three appearances at Carnegie Hall as part of the festival.
Additional highlights at partner institutions include seven performances by the Taiwan-based The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble at The Joyce Theater, recreating traditional music and dance of the 10th century Tang Dynasty with sumptuous costumes and sets by Oscar winner Tim Yip.
The events also include a modern dance program to launch the 10th anniversary celebration of Shen Wei Dance Arts as part of the Works & Process performing arts series at the Guggenheim Museum; a calligraphy and music demonstration and a panel discussion at the China Institute; a panel discussion on the modern cultural identity of Chinese American artists moderated by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang at the Museum of Chinese in America; film screenings exploring U.S. and Chinese cultural exchange at The Paley Center for Media and a Chinese teahouse event and a panel discussion at the Asia Society.
Modern Voices will be accessible to all. Neighborhood Concert performances will be given by percussion group Ba Da Chui, the Zhang Family Band, Ensemble ACJW, and pianist Haochen Zhang. Also part of the free Neighborhood Concert series, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will present two Chinese instrument workshops prior to its performance at Carnegie Hall.
Editor: Dong Jirong
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