UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese orchestra on Friday evening entertained diplomats and overseas Chinese at the UN General Assembly hall in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The performance by the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra marks the first time that the UN headquarters hosts a concert celebrating the most important holiday of the global Chinese community.
The orchestra, conducted by the renowned Chen Xieyang, played a medley of Chinese and Western music as well as a fusion of traditional and modern works, including well-known Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower and classics by J. Strauss, Jr. and Tchaikovsky.
Completing the repertoire, the musicians played three more pieces, Beijing Happiness, Beautiful Flower and Full Moon and Radetzky March, after the conductor had to return twice following an enduring applause by the audience.
Friday’s music, mostly of upbeat tempo, sent festive vibes across the hall.
Elliot Downey, an associate director of admissions with Tianjin Juilliard School, said the highlight of the evening for ...(More on P4)...(11)