Feature: New York Philharmonic celebrates Year of the Horse with East-West musical dialogue

The thunder of galloping rhythms resonated across David Geffen Hall as the New York Philharmonic took the Year of the Horse by the reins, turning Lincoln Center into a cultural crossroads where Eastern traditions and Western orchestration wove a shared musical tapestry.

by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Shi Chun

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The thunder of galloping rhythms resonated across David Geffen Hall as the New York Philharmonic took the Year of the Horse by the reins, turning Lincoln Center into a cultural crossroads where Eastern traditions and Western orchestration wove a shared musical tapestry.

Wednesday evening unfolded under Chinese conductor Yu Long's baton, showcasing an annual gala blended with orchestral showpieces, vocal works, and performances that highlighted the energy and symbolism of the horse across cultures.

The concert opened with two orchestral works: Li Huanzhi's spirited Spring Festival Overture and selections from Elliot Leung's Chinese Kitchen. Artists featured in the program included soprano Kathleen Kim and baritone Andrzej Filonczyk.

Yu has a "deep and long relationship" with the New York Philharmonic, Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, told Xinhua. "He was the architect of our residency in Shanghai, and it seemed a very appropriate moment to celebrate it."

Tarnopolsky described the concert as not only a musical event but a civic and philanthropic occasion supporting the Philharmonic's work.

"Music has, I think, the unique ability to bring people together. It is an equalizing force for good in society," Tarnopolsky said. "It enables dialogue. It enables people to listen with more attention and more heart to each other -- and we need this even more now."

Tarnopolsky, who had previously led the Philadelphia Orchestra, said strengthening ties with Chinese partners remains a priority.

"I'm determined that through the music-making of the New York Philharmonic -- through engagement with students, musicians and cultural organizations in China, and the same with Chinese musicians in America -- we can build a better future and a better understanding between our countries," he said.

Tarnopolsky said that youth engagement is key to that vision. Bringing young musicians from both countries into closer contact, expanding digital access to educational content, and encouraging collaborative performance are all part of the strategy, he said.

Founded in 1842, the New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States.■