The 2023 Bamboo and Maple Festival: Celebrating all corners of Canada and China
Posted on: May 17, 2023
The East Meets West concert held at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music on April 23, 2023 was a resounding success. The audience was treated to a spectacular display of musical talent from both eastern and western traditions.
The concert was the closing ceremony for the Bamboo and Maple Festival and featured renowned musicians from both cultures, including the Concordia Symphony Orchestra, BC Chinese Music Ensembles, and Alberta Chinese Cultural Association.
The night began with a stunning performance by the Concordia Symphony Orchestra who played Overture for the Worlds, a magnificent piece composed by a local composer Dr. Allan Gilliland. This piece was commissioned for the opening ceremonies for the 2001 World Athletic Games. It has all the hallmarks of a ceremonial fanfare, layering in elements of an orchestra to pay tribute to all nations.
Please click here to view the details of the program.
The Final act of the night was the Yellow River Piano Concerto, which is based on the famous “Yellow River” Cantata (1934) by Xin-hai Xian. The performance at the East Meets West Concert featured the world premier arrangement of this piano concerto for the Western and Chinese orchestra by Mark Armanini. This work was a special commission for the Bamboo and Maple Festival. Concordia Symphony Orchestra’s conductor Dr. Danielle Lisboa with her music students and Concordia music alumni presented their strong ability to interpret and convey the emotions of this epic piece.
The audience was captivated by the musicians’ talents and skills, as well as the innovative fusion of eastern and western music. Over 1,000 people joined the concert at Winspear, and many audience members praised the concert for celebrating diversity and bringing together different cultures through music.
This East Meets West Concert and the Bamboo and Maple Festival were not only an incredible musical festival but also a platform for cultural exchange and building relations. By bringing together musicians from eastern, western, and indigenous cultures, this cultural exchange created a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two nations. It helped build bridges and promote dialogue between Canada and China. In addition, the concert served as a testament to the power of music in fostering cross-cultural understanding and making it a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to strengthen our shared future together.
Festival Gallery
