Inaugural Chinese New Year Symphonic Concert

Chicago Philharmonic & the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago Announce Inaugural Chinese New Year Symphonic Concert 

February 10, 2024 in celebration of the Year of the Dragon; 

Featuring the Chicago Philharmonic orchestra, Artistic Director Scott Speck, pipa virtuoso Yang Wei, and cellist Mara McClain. 

January 11, 2024 (CHICAGO) — Chicago Philharmonic proudly presents its inaugural Chinese New Year symphonic celebration of the Year of the Dragon, in partnership with the Consulate General of China in Chicago. The full orchestra concert consists of a one-hour program, featuring the Butterfly Lovers Concerto for orchestra and pipa with virtuoso Yang Wei. Other highlights include the Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger Cello Concerto with Chicago Philharmonic principal cellist Mara McClain, and selections from the Spring Festival Suite by Chinese composer Li Huanzi. 

Li Huanzi: Spring Festival Suite: Overture and Love Song 

Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto 

Li Huanzi: Spring Festival Suite: Finale: Lantern Festival 

Chen Gang/ He Zhanhao: Butterfly Lovers Concerto 

ABOUT CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC 

Founded by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in 1979, The Chicago Philharmonic Society is a collaboration of nearly 200 of the highest-level classical musicians in the Midwest. The orchestra, known as Chicago Philharmonic, has been called one of the country’s finest symphonic orchestras. The brilliance of Chicago Philharmonic’s structure is in its versatility – the organization curates the best ensemble for each concert from an exceptional pool of musicians, be it classical, jazz, pops, movie concerts, outreach programming, and everything else. 

Chicago Philharmonic presents a robust and varied collection of programming throughout 2024, including 5 film-in-concert events at the historic Auditorium Theatre and the groundbreaking orchestra premiere with hit artist Sleeping At Last. Find out more at chicagophilharmonic.org. 

ABOUT SCOTT SPECK 

With recent performances in London, Paris, Moscow, Beijing, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, Scott Speck has inspired international acclaim as a conductor of passion, intelligence, and winning personality. Scott Speck was named Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Chicago Philharmonic in June of 2013 and has been Music Director of the Joffrey Ballet since 2010. He has become a frequent guest for the Chicago

Symphony’s family concerts. His work with Chicago Philharmonic earned him the award “2021 Conductor of the Year” from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. 

Scott Speck is the co-author of two of the world’s bestselling books on classical music, Classical Music for Dummies and Opera for Dummies. These books have received stellar reviews in both national and international press, have garnered enthusiastic endorsements from major American orchestras, and have been translated into twenty languages. His third book in the series, Ballet for Dummies, was released to great acclaim as well. For more information visit scottspeck.org. 

ABOUT YANG WEI 

Yang Wei’s musical education began at the early age of six. As a young student of music, he received instruction in several different classical Chinese instruments. At 13, the decision was made to concentrate his considerable talents upon mastering the Pipa. 

The years of study and dedication began to pay off at 18 when he performed as a soloist with the National Shanghai Orchestra. This accomplishment was followed by his achievement of the ART Trophy First Prize for the International Chinese Musical Instruments Competition, in the Young Professional Pipa Section, which he was awarded in 1989. 

As a professional musician, he has been celebrated worldwide, performing for and inspiring audiences throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. His professional activities have included performing as a soloist with various orchestras and in various ensembles, teaching and participating in educational programs in both public and educational settings. Since 2000, Yang Wei has toured with the acclaimed Silk Road Project performing alongside world famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In the United States, he has performed at such known venues as the Ravinia International Music Festival, the Kimmel Center, the Lincoln Center and the Chicago Symphony Center. In addition to these performances, he has served as Artist-in-Residence for the Art Institute of Chicago and has led international music lectures. He has been instrumental in commissioning new works by well-known composers such as Bright Sheng, Zhu Jianer, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Yao Chen. 

In 1996, Yang moved permanently to the United States, making his home in the Chicago area. 

ABOUT MARA MCCLAIN 

Mara McClain is a cellist in the Chicago area and a musician member of Chicago Philharmonic, performing regularly with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, and the Grant Park Music Festival. McClain was previously a member 

of the Alabama Symphony, in Birmingham Alabama, from 2006-2018. She attended the Cleveland Institute of Music for her undergraduate studies with Richard Aaron. Prior to her appointment with the Alabama Symphony she joined the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as principal cellist. After many years away, she is thrilled to be back in Chicago with her husband, who is also a cellist, teacher and the director of the Barston Suzuki Center at the Music Institute of Chicago.