Tony Yike Yang: Lunar New Year Concert

Presented by the University of Calgary School of Creative and Performing Arts, internationally acclaimed Chinese Canadian pianist Tony Yike Yang makes his Calgary debut in a solo piano recital on Feb 11th, 2025. This dynamic Lunar New Year concert features a complete performance of The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals Book 2: Preludes and Fugues by acclaimed Chinese Canadian composer Vincent Ho along with some of Tony’s most beloved solo works from the classical repertoire. 

Acclaimed composer and UCalgary alumni Vincent Ho (BMus ’98) works are infused with distinct and remarkable qualities to represent each Chinese zodiac animal, with their personalities and physical gestures captured in the music and pianist’s hands. This recently published collection consists of 12 preludes and fugues, blending traditional classical forms with Chinese harmonies, jazz influences, and a modern sensibility.

This momentous event is generously sponsored by Calgary arts philanthropists Walt and Irene DeBoni, with all proceeds of ticket sales dedicated to support the music program at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Patrons are encouraged to attend the pre-concert reception where they can meet our student ambassadors, hear live music, learn more about our program, and participate in the silent auction with all proceeds directly contributing to the Music Impact Fund. Come experience an unforgettable night of outstanding music performed by one of Canada’s leading pianists and be a part of the magic that brings life to art through supporting our music program at the University of Calgary.

CONCERT PROGRAM

Frédéric Chopin: Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat Major, Op. 61

Vincent Ho: The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals Book 2, Preludes and Fugues (complete)

• Rascally Rat
• The Mighty Ox
• Dance of the Tigers
• Jubilant Rabbit
• Soaring Dragon
• Spirited Snakes
• The Galloping Horse
• Drowsy Lamb
• Mimicking Manic Monkeys
• Rollicking Rooster
• The Sauntering Dog
• Tranquil Pig

Alexander Scriabin: Fantasy in B-minor, Op. 28 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hailed by CBC Music as one of Canada’s finest young musicians, pianist Tony Yike Yang first rose to international acclaim in 2015 at the age of 16 after becoming the youngest-ever laureate in the history of the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Yang has also won prizes at the Van Cliburn, Gina Bachauer, Hilton Head, Cooper, and the Bosendorfer & Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions. Yang has performed internationally in venues such as Koerner Hall in Toronto, Warsaw National Philharmonic, Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Athenaeum in Bucharest, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Seoul Arts Center, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Osaka Symphony Hall, Esplanade Singapore, the Opera House in Guangzhou, and many others. Born in Chongqing and raised in Toronto, Yang is a recent graduate of Harvard University where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. His debut album of works by Chopin was released on the Fryderyk Chopin Institute label in 2016. In 2018, Yang was appointed Youth Cultural Ambassador to the city of Guangzhou, and has been passionately committed to advancing and encouraging classical music education for youth all across China, having given masterclasses and lecture-recitals at the Xinghai, Harbin, and Shanghai Conservatories, among others.

EVENT INFORMATION:

The University of Calgary Rozsa Centre

7 p.m. – pre-concert reception and silent auction
7:30 p.m. – Concert
9:30 p.m. – post-concert Q&A with Tony Yike Yang and Vincent Ho

TICKET INFORMATION:

$55 Adult/General Admission (general seating)
$110 “Arts Champion” Admission (includes preferred seating and complimentary bar service)
$48 Seniors
$25 Students/children 

*Because of the fundraising nature of this event, patrons are encouraged to select tickets generously, based on capacity to give.

Presented by: UCalgary School of Creative and Performing Arts