Harmony of The East: Chinese Folk Songs and Their Stories

Following a two-week celebration of the Chinese New Year – lóng nián dàjí, or good luck in the Year of the Dragon – the Library offers a special Sunday afternoon presentation highlighting the beauty and broad range of Chinese folk songs.

Lyric soprano Eva Peng and pianist Anthony Olson immerse their audience in a tapestry of Chinese folk traditions as they traverse the country’s provinces during the unique lecture-recital. From the embroidery traditions of Yunnan to the jasmine flowers of Jiangsu, the featured selections paint a picture of cultural diversity.

The duo explores the fusion of Western influences with traditional Chinese music as seen in the works of early 20th-century composer Huang Zi.