Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Lunar New Year Celebration Returns with Festive Sounds
WRITTEN BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY: Allan Cabral, Courtesy of Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Toronto’s Lunar New Year celebrations are flourishing, reflecting the growing vibrancy and inclusivity of this cherished Chinese festival within the community. Together, we are moving culture forward.
Pre-concert cocktail reception and dinner at Shangri-lA Toronto
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) hosted its Lunar New Year Celebration Concert at Roy Thomson Hall. Conducted by Naomi Woo and featuring the return of comedian Dashan (Mark Rowswell), the evening blended Chinese and Western classical works, offering a musical dialogue between traditions. Before the performance, guests enjoyed a pre-concert celebration in the lobby, complete with a lion dance, Chinese calligraphy, and a Pan-Asian vendor market. This year, TSO also introduced an exclusive pre-concert cocktail reception and dinner at Shangri-La Toronto, further elevating the celebration.
Naomi Woo
Dashan (Mark Rowswell)
The program featured acclaimed guest artists, including guzheng virtuoso Wu Fei, violinist Stella Chen, and Yang Yang Dance Studio. A highlight of the night was the world premiere of Ode to the Red Cliffs, a newly commissioned orchestral work by Shawn Moore, inspired by a Song Dynasty poem and narrated by Dashan.
Wu Fei
For the artists, the performance was a personal tribute to their cultural heritage. Naomi Woo, whose father is Chinese and grew up in Singapore, recalled childhood Lunar New Year traditions with her four siblings, from festive meals to receiving red packets. Wu Fei, originally from Beijing, and Stella Chen, a first-generation American whose parents immigrated for education, also shared deep ties to their roots. The concert evoked a sense of home for many while inviting others to explore the beauty of cultural fusion.
STella Chen
By showcasing Chinese traditions on a world-class stage, TSO’s Lunar New Year celebration resonates with Fête Chinoise’s mission of moving culture forward. In our own realms, we are all working to celebrate our heritage and foster a deeper appreciation for its richness. As we continue to share these stories and traditions with wider audiences, we believe that culture will not only be preserved but also thrive in new and inspiring ways.