UIC Orchestra started the program of its Spring Concert with Tchaikovsky and Mozart compositions which thrilled a full audience on the evening of 16 May.
UIC Orchestra performing at the concert
A dozen classical works, including Necklace of Olive, Zu Bethlehem Geboren and Bizet’s Carmen Suite No.1, were played by the Orchestra and specially invited musicians: conductor Prof. Ho Shan Lai, trombonist Stephen Au and trumpeter Kiwi Zhang. They played with great instrumental delicacy and charmed their audience.
Prof. Ho Shan Lai concentrating on conducting
Besides the Western masterpieces, the program featured famous Chinese musical compositions, like Why Are the Flowers so Red?, Give Me a Rose and Yao Dance Song. These compositions were chosen to represent a creative blend of Western and Chinese cultural themes.
UIC Orchestra largely features student members
“I am amazed at how these students can play classical music beautifully in a concert despite the fact that they have prepared and practised for only two months. They are terrific! I’m so proud of them!” said Ms. Sandra Lau, Instructor of General Education Office and artistic director of UIC Orchestra.
It was announced that same evening an Orchestra Management Team was formed. Prof. Ng Ching Fai, President of UIC, presented the certificate to the Student-Autonomous Team and said he was thrilled to see the spirited UIC Orchestra growing towards a tradition.
Prof. Ho Shan Lai praised the crew of the orchestra as talented and promising musicians. He also deemed it a necessity to have an established orchestra at UIC, which is becoming better known as an international and liberal arts college.
Founded in 2011, the UIC Orchestra has now 41 members. Any UIC student who knows about or is interested in classical instruments can apply to join the group. Ms. Lau anticipates that there will be more opportunities for stage performances for the UIC Orchestra and the possibility of even more performances as we work towards more connections with outside organisations.
UIC Orchestra and (from left in front) Ms. Sandra Lau, Prof. Ho Shan Lai, Prof. Ng Ching Fai and Dr. Andy Fung, Associate Director of Research Institute of Chinese Culture at UIC
Photographer: Chen Xinran
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
