On April 18, EastWest Artistry NYC presented a curated concert at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, bringing together a distinguished group of musicians in a program that bridged classical, contemporary, and cross-cultural repertoire. The evening was produced and artistically directed by soprano Lena Wu, who also appeared as a featured performer, with Eric Sedgwick as accompanist.
The program opened with Lena Wu’s performance of “Part of Your World,” delivered with clarity of tone and expressive phrasing, establishing an inviting and intimate atmosphere. She later returned with Dvořák’s “Song to the Moon” from Rusalka, offering a poised and emotionally resonant interpretation marked by sustained lyricism and refined vocal control. The program continued with “Someone to Watch Over Me,” presented with stylistic sensitivity and warmth, reflecting a nuanced approach to the American song repertoire.
Ashley performed “A Little Bit in Love,” bringing a natural sincerity and clear vocal expression that connected effectively with the audience in the salon setting.
Composer-pianist Yiqi Guo presented selections from his original work SONG Yùn (Ancient Echoes and Urban Reverie), demonstrating a compelling synthesis of contemporary compositional language and traditional Chinese influences. His performance highlighted both structural clarity and atmospheric depth. A chamber ensemble featuring Alexandra Lukashuk(cello), Lisa Sai (piano), and Taisiya Losmakova (viola) performed a Piano Trio in G minor, exhibiting strong ensemble coordination, balanced textures, and a cohesive musical dialogue.
Pianist Xiaolie Liu delivered a technically accomplished performance of Nikolai Kapustin’s Variations, Op. 41, navigating its complex rhythmic and stylistic demands with precision and fluency. He continued with the third movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 (“Appassionata”), demonstrating dynamic control, structural awareness, and interpretive intensity.
Jin Du performed Chen Yi’s Duo Ye & Ji-Dong-Nuo, offering a rhythmically vibrant interpretation that drew from Chinese folk traditions and further reinforced the program’s cross-cultural dimension. The concert reflects EastWest Artistry NYC’s continued mission to create intimate, culturally engaged performance experiences that connect artists and audiences in meaningful ways. The next concert presented by EastWest Artistry NYC will take place on June 4 at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell theatre, continuing its signature format of curated music and community.
