Audience attend a concert hosted by the Westminster Conservatory of Music in Princeton, New Jersey, the United States, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Benny Xie/Xinhua)

NEW YORK, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Westminster Conservatory of Music in Princeton, New Jersey, hosted a stunning concert on Saturday to celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which falls in the month of May.

The concert attracted around 200 engaged people in the audience, offering a cultural feast that bridged the gap between East and West through music.

The event was a celebration of AAPI heritage, showcasing the exceptional talent of artists and musicians from the AAPI community.

The concert featured esteemed faculty members from Westminster Conservatory, including renowned pianists Bing-Bing Chang, Jenny Chiou, Eunju J. Kim, Fang-Ting Liu, and Hendry Wijaya. Additionally, the New Jersey Philharmonic Chorus' vocal ensemble added their voices to the evening, bringing an extra layer of depth to the performance. The artists' performances were both technically impressive and filled with cultural significance, underscoring the powerful role of music in cultural exchange.

The program, which was a rich mix of Eastern and Western musical traditions, featured a variety of works by both established and emerging composers. Highlights included Anak Perahu by Mochtar Embut, a beautiful piano solo performed by Hendry Wijaya, and Ang Larawan by Francisco Buencamino, Sr., played by Eunju J. Kim on piano. Another remarkable piece was Psalm 23 by Jihee Han, which brought together clarinetist Jaehun Choi, cellist Hyojin Lee, and pianist Bing-Bing Chang, creating a deeply moving rendition of the sacred text. The audience was also treated to Song of the South Wind attributed to Emperor Shun, arranged by Timothy P. Urban, with performances by Eliott Wells on cello and Timothy P. Urban on xun, a traditional Chinese instrument.

The second half of the concert featured a world premiere that captivated the audience: Impromptu on the Theme of Milyang Arirang, composed by Jinsil Lee. The piece, rich in contemporary flair, was performed by cellist Eliott Wells and pianist Hyewon Lim. The world premiere was met with resounding applause, marking a special moment in the evening as Lee's work, blending modernity with tradition, added an innovative twist to the musical program.

The evening also celebrated Chinese cultural heritage through music, including Moon Lute by Lai Su. The New Jersey Philharmonic Chorus' vocal ensemble, led by Bing-Bing Chang, performed this evocative piece, transporting the audience to ancient Chinese landscapes through song.

Another touching moment came with the performance of "Why Are the Flowers So Red" by Zhenbang Lei, featuring pianist Bing-Bing Chang and five-string violist Jing Yang. The delicate interplay between the piano and viola beautifully expressed the emotion of the piece, leaving a deep impression on everyone in the room.

The concert concluded with a standing ovation, with the audience acknowledging the artists' incredible performances and the cultural richness they brought to the stage. Attendees said the event was not just a celebration of music, but an enriching cultural experience that deepened their understanding and appreciation of AAPI heritage. ■

Artists perform Psalm 23 by Jihee Han in a concert hosted by the Westminster Conservatory of Music in Princeton, New Jersey, the United States, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Benny Xie/Xinhua)