Bright Sheng is respected as one of the leading composers of our time. Combining Asian influences with Western musical traditions, his stage, orchestral, chamber and vocal works are performed regularly throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
In an exciting program including an Asian Premiere, Suzhou Symphony Orchestra has engaged Bright Sheng to conduct two of his own works.
Both Sheng works are available for country premieres in Australia, New Zealand and other Asian countries.
Robert Diaz performs Of Time and Love - Concerto for Viola and Orchestra which he co-commissioned and performed at the World Premiere in Philadelphia (US) last year. The sweet and lyrical sounds of the viola are extended to show the rough and dramatic timbres available.
When human life becomes fragile, only love is timeless.
Bright Sheng
The Asian Premiere of the overture Dream of the Red Chamber Overture, based on themes from the opera of the same name, will be a highlight. From the opening chords Sheng evokes a traditional Chinese setting reminiscent of floating dreamy waterways. Percussive outbursts break the dreamy string glissandi (waterways), driving the story-line.
Also on the program is Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 70 by Dmitri Shostakovich, a five-movement symphony that begins with a playful romp through the wind and brass sections of the orchestra. The second bittersweet movement darkens the tone before the final three movements are played without a pause. These movements move from a demonic, dark textured sound to a light lyrical march to end the symphony in a happy and light vein.
March 23
Grand Theatre of Suzhou Cultural Arts Centre, Jinji Lake Concert Hall
Suzhou, China