An Eastern Tapestry with Global Flavors
Concert Program
Approximate time: 42 min
Spring River Flower Moon Night (春江花月夜)
Jin Yang, pipa
Yixuan Gong, xiaoruan
Ting Xiao, zhongruan
Yeshuang Chen, violin
Lanqing He, cello
Yixuan Gong, ruan
Silk Road Journey: A Convergence of East and West
Camel Bells on the Silk Road (丝路驼铃)
Yixuan Gong, zhongruan
Mongolian Pastoral Song(牧歌)
Yeshuang Chen, violin
Lanqing He, cello
Qianci Liu, cello
Xinjiang Dance No. 3 (新疆舞曲第三号) (Arranged by Yanlv Guo)
Lanqing He, Yiran Huang, Miao Yan, Ruoxin Xu, Muze Lan, Qihuan Xie, cellos
Regional Flavors: A Dance of Contrasts
Dance of the Yao People (瑶族舞曲)
Yeshuang Chen, violin
Beitong Liu, erhu
Yixuan Gong, xiaoruan
Mengying Jin, zhongruan
Lanqing He, cello
Qianci Liu, cello
V. Monti: Czardas
Yeshuang Chen, violin
Beitong Liu, erhu
Qianci Liu, cello
Epic & Passion: Demonstrations of Strength
Ambush from All Sides (十面埋伏)
Jin Yang, pipa
Tianyue Joyce Yan, pipa
Horse Racing (赛马)
Beitong Liu, erhu
Jin Yang, pipa
Yan Zhou, liuqin
Mengying Jin, zhongruan
Xuefei Lan, daruan
Lanqing He, cello
Qianci Liu, cello
Artists:
Lanqing He, Cello
Lanqing He is a distinguished cellist and pedagogue, currently serving as a Guest Professor of Cello at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and holding the title of National First-Class Performer, China’s highest professional rank for performing artists. She also serves as the Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the National Cello Society under the Chinese Musicians Association.
A graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Ms. He later earned a Performer’s Diploma in California, USA. Her professional orchestral career includes tenures with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, with whom she toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, and the Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, where she served as Associate Principal Cellist.
Ms. He is internationally recognized for her exceptional teaching. Her students have consistently secured top honors at prestigious competitions, including the Schoenfeld International String Competition, the Singapore International String Competition, and the Hong Kong International Music Festival. In 2024 and 2025 alone, her students earned multiple First Prizes and Grand Champion titles globally. In recognition of these achievements, she has been repeatedly honored with the Excellent Teacher Prize by numerous international committees.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. He is a prominent figure in the global music community. She has served as a Grand Juror for the Hong Kong International Music Festival (2018–2025) and as a juror for the Singapore International String Competition and the "Aiqin Cup," China’s premier cello competition. Her career is defined by a profound commitment to both artistic excellence and the cultivation of the next generation of world-class cellists.
Qianci Liu, Cello
Qianci Liu is a versatile musician active as a cellist, composer, recording artist, instructor, and concert producer. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, she is a figure in New York’s cultural scene, holding Director positions at the Paulus Hook Music Foundation, the New York Big Apple Music Festival, and the New York International Symphony Orchestra.
Liu served as Principal Cellist for The Lion King Broadway Musical Shanghai Tour in 2005. She also performed as a soloist for the Shanghai Bund Lights Show Theme Music, including "Walking on the Bund" and "Enduring Brilliance." In October 2023, she highlighted her artistry at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall with the “Wondering Melody”—Qianci Liu and Friends Concert. Her compositional credits include the animation score Lily, to Mom and the piece for Cello and Jazz Band, Candy. Her recordings include On and Between by Zhen Chen, and the soundtracks Waiting for Me and A Journey Through Reading And Music (for the Shanghai Library), both composed by Wei Luo, as well as Dream Thousand by Meng Wang. Other commercial releases include A Cellist in the Shaoxing Road and Xian Qin.
Beyond performing, Liu works as a cultural curator and producer. She was the Music Director of the 15th UN Chinese Language Day Conference at the UN Headquarters, where she invited pop star ZHOU Shen and shared the stage to perform. She also served as the Concert Producer and Artistic Director for the China Media Group (CMG) ‘United as One World Voices of Peace' Symphony Concert at Lincoln Center in 2025, which featured artists like Lang Lang and Randall Goosby with the New York International Symphony Orchestra. She has produced other charity concerts at the Boston Harvard Club, Summit College Club, and other venues. Her latest healing music album, Little Reunion, is set for release in February 2026.
Jin Yang, Pipa
Pipa performer Jin Yang is one of the leading pipa soloists of her generation and a winner of the Chinese Golden Bell Award for Music. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, she has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Royal Japanese Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra, and has premiered numerous new works at Princeton University. A collaborating musician of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, Jin’s artistry spans traditional, classical, contemporary, electronic, and jazz music, as well as opera, dance, visual arts, and AI-based interdisciplinary projects. She serves as a Visiting Professor at the Bard College Conservatory’s US-China Music Institute, instructor at the University of Delaware, and founding president of the Chinese Musicians Association of North America (CMA-NA). Jin also founded the Flying Strings Youth Ensemble, dedicated to fostering the next generation of cross-cultural musicians in North America. She has served as a judge for leading international competitions including the Hummingbird International Music Festival, International Music Grand Prix, America Prize, Raffles International Music Festival, and the Dunhuang Cup.
Beitong Liu, Erhu
An accomplished erhu musician from Jilin, China, celebrated for her versatility and artistry across a wide range of musical genres, including traditional Chinese music, jazz, contemporary works, improvisation, musical theater, and opera. Beitong Liu graduated from the US-China Music Institute, where she specialized in erhu performance and global and international studies. She has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Chinese Embassy in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as at the China Institute, Vassar College, and numerous music festivals and galas.
In 2023, Beitong was selected as a Bespoken Fellow for the 2023–24 season, a recognition that highlights her commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. In 2024, she won First Prize in the Singapore Star International Arts and Culture Festival Erhu Competition. That same summer, she was the featured erhu performer in the Shanghai Sonata musical at Vassar College’s Powerhouse Theater. A co-founder of the Echoes of China Ensemble and an active member of the Bard East-West Ensemble, Beitong is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of erhu performance, blending its traditional roots with diverse musical styles and contemporary innovations. In addition to her performance career, Beitong is a passionate educator and teaching artist for the “Learn to Teach, Culture Connect” program, where she inspires the next generation of musicians and fosters cultural exchange through music.
Yeshuang (Ella) Chen, Violin
"Yeshuang Ella Chen holds a Professional Studies Diploma and master’s degree from the Mannes School of Music. Currently, she actively participates in the Paulus Hook Music Foundation’s Chamber Music Program. Performance highlights include serving as principal second violin for the Mannes Orchestra and assistant concertmaster for the Shanghai University Chamber Orchestra. She has also collaborated with the Martha Graham Dance Company and performed with violinist Ryu Goto. She won first prize in both the Hong Kong Open International String Competition (Shanghai Division) and the Third Los Angeles International Youth Music Competition (Zhejiang Division). In the summer of 2025, she performed with the United Nations Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Most recently, she appeared as Associate Concertmaster with the New York International Symphony Orchestra and the UN Symphony Orchestra at the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations at Lincoln Center, hosted by CMG, sharing the stage with pianist Lang Lang and violinist Randall Goosby.
Tianyue (Joyce) Yan, Pipa
A talented young multi-instrumentalist. She has performed at Harvard University, Princeton University, NJPAC, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and Davidson College, as well as throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maryland, and North Carolina. Joyce is the 1st Place winner of the Music International Grand Prix, a Silver Award recipient at the prestigious Dunhuang Cup, and a 1st Prize winner of the Golden Classical Music Awards, in addition to earning prizes in other international competitions. In 2023–24, Joyce successfully passed all levels of the Standard Grade Examination of the Central Conservatory of Music for pipa, with most levels achieved with distinction. Even as a young musician, she has had the opportunity to teach and mentor many students. She has also collaborated on multiple occasions with the Chinese Musicians Association of North America. Joyce is the co-founder and secretary of the Flying Strings Youth Ensemble.
Miao Yan, Cello
As a rising talent from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he captured the Silver Award in the Young Artist Cello Division at the 11th Hong Kong International Music Festival. His compelling musicality further led him to victory as a First Prize winner at the 6th 'Ai Qin Cup' International Cello Competition 2025.
Yiran Huang, Cello
A commanding cellist and former Principal of the Zhejiang Youth Symphony Orchestra, she refines her artistry under the tutelage of Professor He Lanqing at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Her talent is validated by a series of First-Prize victories in China, Hong Kong, and Italy. Having received guidance from world-renowned masters, she is recognized for her technical precision and compelling stage presence.
Ruoxin Xu, Cello
A gifted young cellist and rising talent, she is recognized for her extraordinary dedication and rapidly maturing musical voice. Balancing a rigorous academic path with a passion for strings, she has graced the stages of Shanghai’s prestigious concert halls. A Distinction Bronze Award winner at the 2025 Hong Kong International Music Festival, she continues to captivate audiences with her refined technique and vivid musical storytelling.
Muze Lan, Cello
A prodigious young talent, this 9-year-old cellist is currently refining his artistry under the tutelage of the renowned Professor He Lanqing. Already a celebrated prize-winner on the international circuit, he swept multiple First Prizes and Gold Awards in 2025, including top honors at the 12th Hong Kong International Music Festival and the Italian Music Federation International Youth Competition. Whether performing as a commanding soloist or within an ensemble, he displays a remarkable musical maturity that marks him as a rising star of his generation.
Yixuan Gong, Ruan
A current postgraduate student majoring in the Chinese Ruan at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She was introduced to the Ruan by Zhao Li, a teacher at Yiwu Art School, and has since studied under the tutelage of the young performer Jia Zhenzhen and the renowned performer, conductor, educator, and doctoral supervisor Wu Qiang. In 2019, she was admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music as the top scorer in the Ruan major and was recommended for a postgraduate position at the same institution in 2023. During her time at the conservatory, she joined the "Jinqi" ensemble. In 2024, she was selected for the "Young Bird" program, and in 2025, she was chosen for the "Flying Talent" program, successfully organizing and holding ensemble concerts. In 2024, she was shortlisted for the 8th National Youth Education and Teaching Achievement Exhibition (Wenhua Award) in the ensemble category.
Mengying Jin, Zhongruan
A master's student at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, began studying the zhongruan under Associate Professor Jia Zhenzhen and Professor Wu Qiang, a renowned conductor, educator, performer and doctoral supervisor, in 2017. In 2020, she was admitted to the undergraduate program at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with the top score and in 2024, she was admitted to the master's program and received the first-class scholarship for postgraduate studies. She won the Gold Award in the Professional Group A of the "Dunhuang Cup” National Chinese Orchestra and Ensemble Competition; premiered the new work "Rhapsody on Salvador, Brazil" by composer Lu Weijun on the Chinese mainland; was awarded the title of "Future Star" in the Professional Group A of the Guoyun Cup Zhongruan Competition; and received the "Outstanding Gold Award" in the individual competition and the overall championship in the group competition at the Hong Kong International Music Festival's Youth Group.
Yan Zhou, Liuqin
Born in Huzhou, Zhejiang in 2007, and is a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Liuqin Performance at Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She was admitted to the conservatory’s Affiliated Secondary Music School in 2019 and the undergraduate program in 2025, both with outstanding academic performance, studying under Professor Wu Qiang, a renowned Liuqin/Zhongruan performer, educator and conductor. During her studies, she has participated in numerous major performances and competitions, winning the 8th "Wenhua Award", Silver Award (Professional Group) at the Nanyang International Music Competition, Silver Award (Professional Group) at the "Dunhuang Cup", Shanghai Secondary Vocational Scholarship, "Three Good Student" of Xuhui District, Shanghai, and First-Class People's Scholarship of the conservatory’s Affiliated Secondary Music School multiple times.
Xuefei Lan, Zhongruan
A third-year postgraduate student majoring in zhongruan at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Began initial training under National First-Class Performer and yueqin artist Feng Shaoxian, later admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the renowned liuqin and zhongruan performer, conductor, and doctoral supervisor Professor Wu Qiang, as well as Associate Professor Zhang Biyun, a young liuqin and zhongruan performer. Awarded the Gold Prize for zhongruan solo at the 2020 Singapore International Ruanxian Competition; Outstanding Gold Prize in the Folk Plucked Strings (I) Youth Category at the 12th Hong Kong International Music Festival; the group "Sheng Ling Jing" won the Overall Champion in the Ensemble Category at the 12th Hong Kong International Music Festival; and named "Future Star" in the Professional Youth Group A at the second "Guoyun Cup" National Instrumental Music Art Exhibition. Has participated in multiple major performances funded by the National Arts Fund and performed in various domestic and international locations, including Geneva, Japan, Djibouti, and Finland.
Ting Xiao, Zhongruan
Began learning the instrument at a young age, studying under Professor Wu Qiang, a renowned Liuqin and Zhongruan performer,conductor.Currently studying with Shen Beiyi, a young performer. In 2023, she entered the Shanghai Conservatory of Music as the top-scoring student in the Zhongruan program. She currently serves as the principal Daruan player in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra. In May 2025, she premiered the Liuqin and Zhongruan duet "Flame" at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Opera House. The piece was composed by Lü Yinzhen, commissioned by Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ting. In 2025, she participated in the World Chinese Music Project, presenting the Special Concert "Mirror Soundtrack · Echoes of Thunder Abyss" dedicated to Liuqin and Zhongruan.
Yuan Xiao, Liuqin
Began learning the instrument at a young age, studying under Professor Wu Qiang, a renowned liuqin and zhongruan performer,conductor, and doctoral supervisor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.Currently studying with Shen Beiyi, a young performer. In 2023, she gained admission to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with the first rank in Liuqin, and joined the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra in the same year. In May 2025,she premiered the Liuqin and Zhongruan duet"Flame" at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Opera House. The piece was composed by Li Yinzhen, commissioned by Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ting. In 2025, she participated in the World Chinese Music Project,presenting the Special Concert "Mirror Soundtrack. Echoes of Thunder Abyss" dedicated to Liuqin and Zhongruan.