Bay Area Sounds at Night · Episode 4: Wanting It All... and More! — Ethnic Identity and Global Expression in Music

On the classical music stage, there is a group of creators who face an extraordinary challenge. They must not only express themselves and preserve their ethnic heritage but also make their music transcend borders and resonate with audiences worldwide. They need deep roots in their native culture, the ability to engage in a global dialogue, and a firm foothold in the halls of high art. This is the delicate balancing act of "having it all… and more."

As the finale of the Bay Area Sounds at Night series, this event will follow host Jin Jing ("The Melody Curator") on a journey through the national voices of four great composers:

Sergei Rachmaninoff (Russia) – With profound, romantic melodies, he captured the soul of the Slavic people.

Claude Debussy (France) – A master of Impressionism, he painted the poetic essence of France through tone and atmosphere.

Astor Piazzolla (Argentina) – He brought the fiery passion of street tango into the classical concert hall, making it a global symbol of South American culture.

These works, born from folk traditions yet elevated to the world stage, reflect the composers’ relentless pursuit of identity and artistic innovation.

Featuring an outstanding lineup of performers:

Piano: SHEN Zhou-Hui
Master’s graduate from The Juilliard School, prize winner at the International Beethoven Piano Competition (Germany).

Flute: Alice Hui         
Performer’s Diploma from the École Normale de Musique de Paris, active in leading orchestras across Asia.

Bassoon: Tommy Liu

Principal Bassoonist of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, collaborator with international orchestras, seasoned performer.