The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) ushered in the Year of the Snake with two magnificent performances that brought Asian cultural traditions to life across Maryland this January. The concerts, held at Baltimore’s Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, created magical evenings of musical fusion and cultural exchange.
The January 22nd performance at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall drew an exceptional gathering of diplomatic representatives, including Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng with Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other dignitaries. The January 28th concert at Strathmore welcomed Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Senator Susan Lee, Maryland Secretary of State, Senator Clarence Lam of Maryland amongst its distinguished guests.
Under the masterful direction of conductor Naomi Woo, the program wove together classical Western compositions with Asian musical traditions. The evening featured virtuoso performances by violinist Charles Yang, whose dynamic style earned him the 2018 Leonard Bernstein Award, and yangqin master Chao Tian, known for her innovative approach to the Chinese dulcimer. Mark Rowswell, widely known as Dashan, brought his cultural expertise as host and narrator, connecting both East and West through his engaging presentation.
The musical program offered a rich tapestry of works, from Li Huanzi’s “Spring Festival Overture” to Mendelssohn’s “Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” A particular highlight was the world premiere of “Elevators,” a BSO co-commissioned piece by Vietnamese-American composer Viet Cuong.
Before each concert, audiences enjoyed vibrant cultural presentations in the lobby. Local youth orchestras, including members of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras and Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, provided musical preludes. The Korean Culture & Art of MD’s Ju Sang Hee Dance Company performed traditional fan and Hwagwanmu dances, while the DMV Qipao Fashion Dance Group presented an elegant fashion show. The Lin Zheng Emei Shaolin Kungfu Academy demonstrated martial arts, and the Waist Drum of Greater Washington offered dynamic percussion performances.
The expansion to Strathmore reflects the BSO’s growing commitment to cultural programming. “Adding Strathmore as a venue allows us to connect with more communities through music,” said BSO President and CEO Mark C. Hanson. The orchestra’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Council, comprising 22 members representing Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Vietnamese communities, played a key role in shaping the events.
BSO cellist Bo Li, serving as AAPI Program Advisor, curated a program that resonated with both traditional and contemporary audiences. Local vendors, including Eli Mochi Donuts, Peter Changs, and Strathmore Culinary Arts, added authentic Asian flavors to the experience.
These performances continue the BSO’s tradition of excellence under Music Director Jonathon Heyward, who made history in September 2023 as the orchestra’s first African American leader. As the BSO approaches its next century of music-making, these Lunar New Year celebrations exemplify its dedication to embracing and amplifying diverse cultural voices through classical music.
