Experience the enchanting fusion of Chinese tradition and contemporary jazz at the Year of the Dragon 2024 Chinese New Year Jazz Concert featuring the renowned Chinese jazz pianist, Golden Buddha. 

Golden Buddha, the esteemed jazz pianist Kong Hongwei, is celebrated as China's most influential and inspiring jazz musician. With a rich history of performances at prestigious music festivals worldwide, including Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Croatia, Golden Buddha and his jazz orchestra have received widespread international acclaim. Recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture, they have become a frequently invited band, showcasing an unwavering commitment to world music and jazz excellence.

The pianist's unique approach involves integrating the sounds of Chinese ancient music with a constant infusion of pop, jazz, and classical influences from America and Europe. By exploring Chinese oriental culture in modern contexts, Golden Buddha redefines the boundaries of both Chinese and Western musical languages. This musical journey is marked by a distinctive blend of western jazz melodic structures and Chinese grooves, forming an authentic musical identity that reflects the artist's origins without falling into typical Orientalism.

This performance will be unique, featuring musical collaboration with musicians from Free Radicals, the 13-time winner of "Best Jazz" at the Houston Press Music Awards. In 2020, they were recognized for having the best local album of the year by the Houston Chronicle. Don't miss this extraordinary evening of cultural fusion and musical brilliance as Golden Buddha and Free Radicals come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year in a way that transcends borders and genres.

This concert will also feature the following talented musicians:

Sylvia Yan: A member of the Chinese Bamboo Flute Professional Committee, Sylvia (Yixiu) Yan began learning wind instruments at age 8. Trained by flute masters Lizhong Zhang and Weiliang Zhang, she has won awards in Chinese national competitions and performed extensively across the U.S. Since 2008, Sylvia has actively taught ethnic wind instruments, promoting Chinese wind music.

Jeremy Cai: A Ph.D. graduate from Texas A&M Health Science Center, Jeremy Cai excels in the music and entertainment industry. Winner of the 10th Chinese Song Competition's Pop Song category in 2005, he has showcased his musical prowess in various roles, including technical director and stage director. His original song "Bellaire BLVD" received acclaim in 2020, and he directed the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala for the Houston Chinese Civic Center in 2022 and 2023.

Jason He: A versatile pop singer, Jason He achieved recognition by winning the Water Cube Cup Global Chinese Song Contest in 2019. His accomplishments include securing third place in the 2021 International Buddha's Light Association North America Humanistic Music Concert. Jason actively contributes to community entertainment and charitable activities, making a positive impact on the overseas Chinese community.

Shiwei Wei: Starting her Guzheng studies at age six, Shiwei Wei graduated as an honor student from Shenyang Music Conservatory. She imparts her knowledge of the Chinese Guzheng through teaching and is a sought-after participant in numerous events. 

This concert is title sponsored by Dr. Wan Yang and Mrs. Yang from World Financial Group.

Friday, February 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Runtime:
2 hours

Tickets:
Reserved Seating
$35/$65/$100

Please note that each ticket is subject to a $3 fee at checkout.

GENERAL INFORMATION

*Online sales will end 30 minutes prior to the scheduled curtain time. At this time tickets may be purchased in-person at the box office.

The box office opens 2 hours prior to the performance time for WILL CALL and walkup sales.

We currently do not accept American Express at the box office.

No refunds or cancellations available after purchase.

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