Tan Dun: Guitar Concerto, Yi2 & Crouching Tiger Concerto

The Chicago Philharmonic Society proudly rings in 2023 with a program celebrating the work of Chinese-American composer Tan Dun one night only, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

Led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck, the orchestra performs the North American Premiere of Tan Dun’s Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra (Yi2) with multiple GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin. Also featured is cellist Joshua Roman in Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger Concerto and a World Premiere cello concertino Rise by composer in residence Reinaldo Moya.

A leading figure in contemporary classical music, composer Tan Dun draws from modern and traditional Chinese and Western influences. Dun’s Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra (Yi2) was commissioned by the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany for Sharon Isbin, who has premiered over 80 works by world-renowned composers, including more concerti than any other guitarist.

Yi2 was inspired by Tan Dun’s interest in the Yi-Ching (a Chinese philosophical work from the 5th century) and the converging worlds of East and West. Yi2 blends traditional guitar idioms with that of the pipa - a plucked instrument of Chinese origin. Tan Dun won both an Academy Award and Grammy Award for his score to the iconic film from Ang Lee, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Originally written for cello super-star Yo-Yo Ma, the Crouching Tiger Concerto is a concert work based off Dun’s score for the film. Cellist Joshua Roman joins the Chicago Philharmonic orchestra for a performance of the concerto and will also present the world premiere of Reinaldo Moya’s cello concertino titled Rise. Prior to the concert, the Hyde Park Youth Symphony String Trio will perform in the lobby of the Harris Theater.

This pre-concert activation is presented through Chicago Philharmonic’s NEXT! program, which invites talented young musicians to play a short performance before a Chicago Philharmonic symphonic concert. On January 7, Chicago Philharmonic will partner with the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for a free in-person panel discussion and performance. Scott Speck will moderate the discussion (in person) with Sharon Isbin (virtual), Joshua Roman (virtual), and guest expert Wei Yang (in person). Wei Yang is a pipa virtuoso who has performed around the world, including with the National Shanghai Orchestra, and has toured with the acclaimed Silk Road Project alongside Yo-Yo Ma. Immediately following the panel discussion is a performance by the Sound of Wishes Guzheng Ensemble. This event is supported by the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and the Chinese Fine Arts Society. The panel is on Saturday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, 238 W 23rd St. Tickets are free of charge, but must be reserved in advance through Eventbrite. Seating is limited, early reservations are recommended.