Phoenix Rising: Angel Wang Returns to Koerner Hall With World Premiere and Classical Favourites

WRITTEN BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM (Deborah Lau-Yu, Kayla Lo)
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF ANGEL WANG

On December 2, 2023, Koerner Hall will host a unique musical journey titled “Phoenix Rising,” curated by the talented violinist Angel Wang in collaboration with the Canadian Chinese Society for the Arts (CCSA). The thematic core of the concert, "Phoenix Rising," serves as a testament to Angel's profound belief in the phoenix spirit—a symbol of immortality, resilience, and rebirth. In an extensive interview with Fête Chinoise, Angel shared the intricate connections between her artistry, Chinese cultural roots, and the indomitable spirit embodied by the phoenix.

Founded in 2016, the CCSA is a non-profit organisation that unites diverse musicians sharing a belief in the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western music. The Orchestra has graced numerous stages, including the 2017 “From Vienna to Beijing to Hollywood”, where traditional Chinese instruments melded with Western orchestration, breaking down cultural barriers. 

When asked about communication within a culturally diverse orchestra, Angel emphasized the power of the universal language of music. “Our minds have been tied together when we work on the music. Musicians from Western backgrounds love Chinese music, they find it beautiful, exotic and powerful.” This collaborative direction enables the team to interpret commonalities among different musical forms, creating moments that Angel treasures for their freshness and innovation.

At the heart of the evening lies the highly anticipated world premiere of "Rising Phoenix," a work symbolising hope, rebirth, and the enchanting transformation of the phoenix. Crafted by Alice Ping Yee Ho, one of Canada’s foremost contemporary composers, this commissioned work is a dream come true for Angel. The composition encapsulates not only Angel’s personal journey but also mirrors the collective journey of many others post-pandemic, embracing the uncertainties in the world. Angel wishes to convey the phoenix spirit through her music and inspire audiences with resilience, both in the arts and in life. 

Another notable highlight is a 17-minute excerpt of the Butterfly Lovers Concerto by He Zhan Hao & Chen Gang—a cherished piece that adds an extra layer of cultural richness and never fails to move audiences. The program also features other selected Chinese and Western classical favourites.

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SPONSORED BY FERRIS WHEEL PRESS

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Angel's journey as a renowned violinist traces back to her roots with the Erhu, an instrument steeped in the rich tapestry of Chinese history. Drawn to the erhu's unique tone colour, history, and cultural significance, Angel reminisced, “The instrument’s unique timbre and its deep roots in Chinese musical traditions captivated me from the start. ” Melodic intricacies, emotional expression, and the precision instilled by Chinese musical training remain influential in Angel’s musical style and approach. 

Transitioning to violin out of a curiosity to bridge the gap between East and West, Angel discovered new possibilities for cross-cultural musical expression. Describing the violin’s distinct, expressive, versatile, and deeply resonant tones as a “different palette for emotional expression,” Angel has mastered both the erhu and violin. This mastery allows her to weave elements from Chinese and Western musical traditions, including unique scales, tonalities, rhythmic patterns, folk tunes, and instruments, creating a sonic experience that profoundly connects with audiences.

In Angel's hands, music becomes a powerful storytelling tool. The narrative essence of Chinese music becomes a bridge between two distinct cultural landscapes. As a Chinese-Canadian violinist, Angel navigates these dualities, and interprets and communicates in music, resulting in a uniquely personal and compelling artistic voice.

“Overall, my heritage is not just a part of my identity; it's a driving force behind the way I interpret and communicate through the universal language of music,” said Angel.

Angel's personal journey as an immigrant to Canada adds yet another layer of depth to her music. The diverse genres and styles in the local music scene have influenced her musical taste and encouraged a more eclectic approach to her playing. Infusing her compositions with elements of Chinese cultural heritage, Angel’s music draws from a sense of displacement and homesickness, and resonates with themes of nostalgia, identity, and navigating multiple worlds—experiences familiar to many in the Chinese-Canadian diaspora.

The immigrant experience has strengthened Angel’s resilience and adaptability. Now serving as the artistic director of the CCSA, a solo violinist, a faculty member at the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto, and running her home studio, the multi-faceted violinist remains open to opportunities. Never confined to any musical forms and settings, she has performed with acclaimed orchestras, musical and opera productions, pianists, and even rock and pop stars. 

Join Angel and her fellow musicians on December 2 for a cross-cultural musical experience—a testament to Angel Wang's dedication and success in bringing diverse worlds together through the universal language of music. As the evening unfolds, let the music carry you through the mythical journey of the phoenix, reminding us all of the enduring spirit that rises triumphant from the ashes.

Photo Reposted From Canadian Chinese Society for the Arts

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