The Beauty of Calligraphy — Performance Program
1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Flushing Library Auditorium
41-17 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
Program
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01
Song: “The Beauty of Calligraphy”
Vocal performance; lyrics: Xiang Feng; music: Gemini; accompaniment: Suno
01 “The Beauty of Calligraphy” - Opening Theme
A musical opening inspired by the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, presenting the spirit and imagery of brush, ink, paper, and the written line.
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02
“Eight Principles of the Character Yong”
Chinese instrumental ensemble; Baban Chinese Music Ensemble; featured pipa guest: Chen Tao
02 “Eight Principles of the Character Yong” - The Way of the Brush
The Eight Principles of Yong represent the foundational brush techniques of Chinese calligraphy. The music responds to the rhythm and movement of the brush.
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03
“Dance of the Songs of Chu”
Classical dance (pre-Qin inspiration); Lily
03 “Dance of the Songs of Chu” - Pre-Qin Elegance
Poetry, music, dance, and costume evoke the imaginative world and romantic spirit associated with the Songs of Chu.
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04
“Preface to the Orchid Pavilion”
Classical recitation; Bill Engst
04 “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion” - Wei-Jin Elegance
A recitation centered on Wang Xizhi's celebrated Preface to the Orchid Pavilion, reflecting the literary and calligraphic spirit of the Wei-Jin era.
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05
“Ink Dance in the Long Wind”
Classical dance inspired by the calligraphic spirit of the Two Wangs
05 “Ink Dance in the Long Wind” - Transformations of Ink
A dance interpretation inspired by the expressive energy of Chinese ink and the calligraphic tradition of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi.
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06
42-Form Tai Chi
Traditional martial arts / movement aesthetics; Amy Bai
06 42-Form Tai Chi - Inner Strength and Flow
Tai Chi movement expresses continuity, balance, internal strength, and flowing energy, echoing the rhythm and transformation of calligraphic brushwork.
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07
Kunqu Opera: “Picking Up the Portrait”
Kunqu performance; Liyuan Society Youth Center
07 Kunqu Opera: “Picking Up the Portrait” - Theater and Calligraphy
A Kunqu selection bringing together classical theater, gesture, music, and the refined visual spirit of traditional Chinese arts.
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08
“Orchid Pavilion - Floating Cups on a Winding Stream”
Guqin performance
08 “Orchid Pavilion - Floating Cups on a Winding Stream” - Qin Music
A guqin performance inspired by the Orchid Pavilion gathering and the literati tradition of poetry, music, friendship, and calligraphy.
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09
“When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?”
Classical poetry recitation; Elva Zhang
09 “When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?” - Song-Dynasty Poetry
A performance of Su Shi's celebrated verse, presenting the enduring beauty of classical poetry and its close relationship with calligraphy.
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10
“Morning Dew, Facing the Wind”
Flute / xiao and dance presentation
10 “Morning Dew, Facing the Wind” - Closing the Program
A concluding presentation bringing music and movement together to close the performance in an atmosphere of elegance and reflection.
Program Appendix
01 Song: “The Beauty of Calligraphy”
Lyrics: Xiang Feng Music: Gemini Accompaniment: Suno
The work uses calligraphy as its theme and brings together music and the imagery of brush, ink, paper, and movement.
04 Classical Recitation: “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion”
By Wang Xizhi Recitation: Bill Engst
The original Chinese text is preserved in the official Chinese program.
Performers & Participating Organizations
North American Chinese Calligraphers Association; Flushing Library; Baban Chinese Music Ensemble; Liyuan Society Youth Center; Chinese American Culture & Arts Center; and participating artists and performers listed in the official program.
Featured performers include: Lily; Bill Engst; Amy Bai; Elva Zhang; and other artists named in the official Chinese program.
Audience Reminders
- Please silence or turn off mobile phones.
- Please avoid unnecessary movement during the performance.
- Please do not enter restricted performance areas.
- In case of special circumstances, please do not leave the venue without notice.
- If you need to leave early, please inform staff so that seating can be arranged with minimal disruption.