A New Year's Musical Extravaganza: The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York Joins Forces with the Liu Qianci Cello Ensemble

The 2025 New Year's Day at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey witnessed a unique cultural fusion as The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York and the Liu Qianci Cello Ensemble joined forces for a captivating concert. This special performance seamlessly blended the vibrant sounds of traditional Chinese instruments with the rich harmonies of Western classical music.

Under the skillful direction of conductor and arranger Julian Gau, the ensemble presented a diverse program featuring popular Viennese Waltzes, Minuets, and contemporary dance music. The innovative arrangements masterfully integrated the distinct timbres of the flute, zheng, erhu, and four cellos, creating a truly mesmerizing auditory experience. Further enhancing the performance, the graceful movements of Spanish dancers Mr. Manuel Trillo and his partner Ms. Carol Koutouvides added a visual dimension, captivating the audience with a dynamic and engaging show.

The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York showcased the talents of renowned Chinese soloists, including guzheng player Wei Sun, erhu player Inna Lu, and bamboo flute player Xiao-ran Liu. The orchestra also featured Jivan Ramesh, a cellist and a New York Big Apple Music Festival Scholar; cellists Shuyi Zhang, Karen Zhang, and Søren Beech from the New York International Symphony Orchestra.

Cellist Qianci Liu, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, has been a prominent figure in the New York music scene, serving as the executive director of the Paulus Hook Music Foundation, the New York Big Apple Music Festival, and the New York International Symphony Orchestra. She also serves as a producer of classical music concerts. The cello ensemble featured talented young musicians from her teaching studios across New Jersey and New York, including Yuming Yang, Yuchen Yang, Zixuan Jiang, Vienna Hoang, and Kerry Li from Summit Cello Studio; Jamine Feng, Airan Zeng, and Chloe Yang from Starworks Music Studios in White Plains; and Kevin Zhao and Audrey Hong from Jersey City Home Studio. The performance also included special guest appearances by Olivia Hoang from the New Jersey Youth Orchestra and Ethan Feng and Kevin Li from the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory School.

Ms. Wang Xia, a parent from Summit, New Jersey, expressed her enthusiasm for this unique opportunity for her children. "The cello ensemble is truly inspiring," she shared. "It not only motivates children to practice diligently but also provides invaluable opportunities for them to learn from and interact with professional musicians."

The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, founded in 1961, recognized as the only full-scale adult Chinese orchestra in the Americas, boasts a rich history and a diverse membership of nearly 60 musicians from across the globe. Driven by a shared passion for Chinese music, the orchestra strives to share the beauty and depth of this cultural heritage with audiences worldwide. Julian Gau, the orchestra's conductor and arranger, brings a unique perspective, having graduated from Brown University with degrees in both mathematics and music, and further honing his conducting at the Boston Conservatory of Music.

Dr. Anchi Lin, the director of The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, expressed her delight at the successful collaboration with the Qianci Cello Ensemble. "This performance exemplifies the beautiful fusion of Chinese and Western cultures," Dr. Lin remarked. "We hope that this event will inspire a deeper appreciation for the unique beauty of Chinese instruments and their harmonious interplay with the Western cello."