How can we capture eternity? With a still pendulum, a blooming rose, a graceful dance, or perhaps by humming a song?

American composer John Harris Harbison intertwines ten beloved American folk songs in a unique suite, blending solo and canon forms. From the opening Amazing Grace to the closing Happy Birthday, each piece is thoughtfully arranged, offering a delightful journey through melodies familiar to generations.

Renowned American pianist Margaret Bonds, not only a performer but also a passionate advocate for composers, played a pivotal role in supporting the creation of iconic works. Under her patronage, Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring and Maurice Ravel's Chansons madécasses came into being. These three pieces reflect the composers' fascination with exotic lands, while also addressing the contrasts and tensions between different cultures.

Finally, Louis Hector Berlioz's Les nuit d'été, inspired by Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", takes listeners through six distinct movements, each immersing them in its own unique landscape. This concert will offer a fresh, nuanced rendition through a newly arranged chamber music version, revealing the intricate beauty of these compositions.

Corporate Partner｜LIHPAO Cultural Arts Foundation