On May 27, 2013, University Symphonic Band of Concordia University collaborated with Wenqin Symphony Orchestra at Zijingang Theater and presented a passionate cross-cultural musical performance. The concert commenced at 19:30. As the host, Wenqin Symphony Orchestra performed “Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture” as the prelude. A gentle and melodious piece “Purple Bamboo Melody” pictured the unique charm of Chinese culture and tenderness. After that, Wenqin Symphony Orchestra played Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4, the fourth movement. University Symphonic Band of Concordia University endeared itself to the Chinese audience with “Good News from Beijing Comes to Border Villages”. After that, music pieces of different styles were presented and won enthusiastic applause, including “Joy in All Things”, “Romantic Charm of Pentatonism”, “Galop from ‘The Comedians’”, “Shenandoah”, and “Methuselah II”.
The second half the concert started with “The Symphonic Gershwin”. University Symphonic Band of Concordia University also played Horn Solo “Elegy for English Horn and Band”, “The Melody Shop”, and “Danzon No.2”. The Band displayed its accurate command of rhythms, control of timbre and the tacit cooperation among the members. In addition, the Band played Chinese traditional music piece “Horse Race” in which the cooperation between two violinists and the Band presented a unique interpretation of the music piece. Then the Band played their national march “The Stars and Stripes Forever”. The audience responded with roaring applause and asked for encore.
Director Richard R. Fischer came back to the stage and generously encored “The Same Song”, “Dixieland Jamboree” and “Radetzky March”. At last, “Auld Lang Syne” was played with audience singing along. The two school orchestras performed together and displayed their own charms. The concert was a complete success!
After the performance, members of Wenqin Symphony Orchestra and University Symphonic Band of Concordia University had a friendly exchange and took pictures together. The performance bridged cultural gaps.