Willoughby City Council is proud to present the much-anticipated Willoughby Symphony in the Park Lunar New Year Special Concert: East Meets West. Due to weather conditions, the event on 23 February will now be performed in The Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood. There is limited capacity, so be sure to get there early to reserve a spot.
The event is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical excellence, offering a delightful journey that bridges Eastern and Western traditions.
Led by esteemed conductor Guy Noble, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra stands as a beacon of excellence on the international stage. Renowned for its exceptional annual series of concerts, the orchestra never fails to enchant and engage audiences of all ages, and this program is certainly no exception.
Prepare to be transported by an extraordinary repertoire that spans across Chinese and Western composers, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary gems. The evening will feature captivating performances, including Guan Xia’s Symphonic Overture No. 1 (2003), Wang Huiran’s Spring Comes to the River, and Galloping Steeds by Yaoxing Chen, among others.
Highlights of the concert will include Wang Huiran’s Dance of the Yi People, a solo composition for the pipa, and Hua Wu’s rendition of the popular Chinese Opera tune Deep Night, featuring the jinghu.
Other highlights include the music from West Side Story acknowledging Leonard Bernstein’s work with the recent popular 2023 film Maestro directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker pas de deux and of course another crowd favourite Butterfly Lovers – a Chinese legend.
“Our East Meets West musical program is a testament to joy, energy, passion, and the promise of new beginnings,” said Councillor Tanya Taylor, Mayor of Willoughby City Council. “It reinforces the City of Willoughby as the cultural heart of Sydney’s North Shore.”
This free, family-friendly event invites attendees to join us for a magical night with family and friends as we continue to celebrate Lunar New Year, surrounded by the musical talents of our orchestra.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a musical celebration that transcends borders, embraces diversity, and creates lasting memories.
Experience the magical acoustics of the concert hall, enjoy roving performances such as lion dancing, and look out for the red ‘Festival Eats’ stickers dotted around Chatswood CBD for a yummy bite to eat before the event.
When: Friday 23 February 2024
Time: 7pm to 9pm. Doors open at 6pm.
Location: The Concourse Concert Hall, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.
Cost: Free
For more information, visit Symphony in the Park – East meets West | Chatswood Year of the Dragon Festival