On October 6, 2023, Carnegie Hall in New York City hosted the “2024 China Overseas Youth Music Talents Concert,” showcasing the extraordinary talents of 16 Chinese students from prestigious American music institutions. This concert uniquely blended Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a rich cultural tapestry for the audience.
The performers hailed from acclaimed institutions such as The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Rice University, China Central Conservatory of Music, and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. They captivated the audience with a diverse program, featuring both classical and contemporary pieces from a wide range of repertoires.
Among the talented artists that night were Li Siyu, Tian Ye, Jiang Xiaoya, Zhang Fengming, Ren Hongrui, Li Jiayun, Zhang Gehan, Zhao Siyu, Gong Qiancheng, Liang Qirong, Liang Rongrong, Wang Lewei, Zou Jingyi, Yu Jin, Qin Jikun, and Deng Zhongjiancheng.
The concert began with “Theme and Variations, Op. 15,” composed by Polish musician Henryk Wieniawski. The performers then delivered an impressive selection of works, including Alejandro Vinao’s “Variaciones sobre un tema de Palestrina,” Chopin’s “Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 32, No. 1,” Schumann’s “Adagio and Allegro” and “Piano Sonata in G minor,” as well as Gounod’s “O Sole Mio.” The program also featured classics from Mozart, Strauss, Prokofiev, Bellini, Bizet, and Lehár, along with contemporary pieces like “Maira Variations” by Chinese composer Hu Tingjiang and “Ulan Bator” by French composer Mathias Duplessy.
The event attracted notable figures from the music industry, including Elaine Douvas, head of the Woodwind Department at Juilliard, Lei Yu, artistic director and chief conductor of Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Evan Pappas, a professor at Manhattan School of Music.
Elaine Douvas reflected on her experience teaching many students from China, highlighting the variations in orchestral instrument use and arrangement across countries. She noted that these differences inspire Chinese students to diligently adapt to American performance style and culture, which she believes is commendable.
Dr. Li Mo, the concert’s artistic director, shared some insights about this year’s event. He explained that, unlike in previous years, this concert brought together talent not only from students studying in the U.S. but also from musical elites in China. This collaboration with emerging artists aimed to provide audiences with a high-caliber musical experience through diverse formats and instrumentation.
Audience member Dmitrii expressed his delight at the concert’s wide array of renowned pieces, particularly noting how impressed he was with the vocal performances, given his background as an opera singer.
Zou Jingyi, one of the evening’s performers, shared that this was her second time participating in the concert. She found the audience’s enthusiasm even more moving than during her first performance and expressed hope for more opportunities to entertain them in the future.
