AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVALS
CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH CHINA
Composer Gong Qian Yang with conductor Philip Simmons
Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra performing to “Dawn Awakening”
Master Painter Zhu Kun
Dawn Awakening –
Cultural Exchange with China
On June 19, 2022, the music video “Dawn Awakening” was premiered at the historic Wilmette Theater. The video, created by the esteemed Chinese painter Zhu Kun and composer Gong Qian Yang, included a newly composed orchestral accompaniment.
With “Dawn Awakening,” American Music Festivals leads the way in presenting collaborations combining artistic vitality with an exchange of cultures. This debut showing is just the beginning.
Through the friendship of composer Gong Qian Yang, visual artist Zhu Kun, and conductor Philip Simmons, this project promotes a new vision for cultural exchange. Artists from different backgrounds sharing their talents and creating innovative interdisciplinary works that can be experienced in a variety of ways—around the world.
For 25 years, American Music Festivals has partnered with communities around the world to help present orchestral concerts that showcase diverse traditions, bringing audiences together to enjoy orchestral music, creating greater understanding.
Our activities and outreach to the Chinese community: in Chicago, Honolulu, and abroad, have brought us great pleasure, and insight into what we can achieve working together. We thank all those who have participated with us and look forward to the future.
2015 - Hong Kong Club Gala
Drury Lane Theater, Oakbrook Terrace
Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra Concert with Yellow River Performing Arts and erhu player Guanglong Li. Performing music of Abing, Zhou Long, and European composers inspired by China.
2017 - Chinese New Year Concert
Chinatown Branch of the
Chicago Public Library
Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra
attended by Mr. Hong Lei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.
2018 - Second Chinese New Year Concert
St. Barbara Catholic Parish
Part of the 2017-18 Cultural Exchange Festival in Chicago
Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra, performing music of Bao Yuankai and the world premiere of (Kang Ding) Fantasy for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra by composer Gong Qian Yang. The concert was mentioned on xinhuanet.
Composer Gong Qian Yang and
Mr. Jeff Alexander, President, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
2020 - Third Chinese New Year Concert
Chinatown Branch of the
Chicago Public Library
Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra performing
Abram Chasin’s Three Chinese Pieces and popular Chinese songs with soprano Carol Wang and members of the Dong Fang Performing Arts Choir. Co-sponsored by the United States-China Chamber of Commerce.
2021 - Community Engagement Concert
Benito Juarez Community Academy
LCO performs a diverse Holiday program in Chicago’s 25th ward. The program included Chinese, Mexican, and Czech music, reflecting the heritage of the Pilsen Neighborhood, next to Chicago’s Chinatown.
Consul General Wang Donghua, People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, and Johnson Choi.
2022 - Chinese Jewish Friendship Concert
Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
As part of “Welcoming the Spring” the LCO performed a program of tolerance and exotism, remembering how the China welcomed Jews to Shanghai during World War 2, The concert was dedicated to the memory of Dr. James K. Yeung, Philip Simmons late stepfather,
Concert celebrating Chinese-Jewish friendship held in Chicago-Xinhua (xinhuanet.com)
Moving Forward, Together
Mr. Johnson Choi is Director of Outreach to China and the Pacific Rim for American Music Festivals. He is also Director of the Hong Kong. China. Hawaii. Chamber of Commerce, and recently became Director/Treasurer of the Chinese American Association of Commerce in San Francisco.
Contact American Music Festivals at
224-456-2399
amusicfest@aol.com
