Firecracker Orchestra from Beijing

Last night we heard the touring China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra from Beijing perform a fascinating concert in our own Koerner Hall. It was a surprising opportunity to hear the orchestra that performed my composition, Shattered Night, Shivering Stars, in Beijing last May perform in Toronto (and in the same hall where Esprit performs!).

(Please note that Esprit’s second concert of our 2014/15 season, Revealed Time, will take place on Sunday, November 23rd).

Last May, the China NCPA Orchestra performed my piece in their home hall known as “The Egg.” Such a spectacular concert hall — metal clad and sensuously shaped. At night there are small individual lights scattered subtly over the surface. The sight of the building mirrored in a large, shallow reflecting pool really takes your breath away. 

Entering the building, you immediately walk down a large hallway which is directly under the reflecting pool; beneath the glass ceiling, you are walking underwater! The shimmering water overhead gives you a remarkable sensation. You feel as though you are immersed in beauty and moving images of reflected light.

Hearing the orchestra last night reminded me of how thrilling it was to hear my music performed by this orchestra in their beautiful Beijing concert hall. What a privilege!

The principal cellist, Meng Yang, recognized me and said they still remembered my piece because it was completely different from anything they had ever played. This musician told me that they had never before performed a work that had sections where the barlines were eliminated and the musical flow was instead indicated in seconds.  

It was so wonderful and unexpected to have been greeted with such warm remarks from an orchestra member from my Beijing performance!

Music — the universal language.

– Alexina Louie