The Grainger Wind Symphony opens its 2026 season with its Lunar New Year Concert, a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture expressed through the rich colours of the Western wind symphony.
To download the printed program click here.
Melbourne’s Grainger Wind Symphony presents a compelling program of wind band music by Chinese composers from around the world, alongside works deeply influenced by Chinese musical traditions. Under the leadership of Music Director Roland Yeung, the concert brings two solo musicians of Chinese heritage performing within the Western wind symphony tradition, showcasing both the ensemble’s cultural diversity and its depth of artistic talent.
The program features the beloved Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto by Liang Zhu, performed by violinist Alyssa Wong, alongside New Song of the Herdsman for solo dizi and wind band performed by Dizi player Sandy Yao, highlighting the expressive power of traditional Chinese instruments in dialogue with a contemporary symphonic setting.
“This concert allows me to connect with my own Chinese heritage while celebrating the diversity for which the Grainger Wind Symphony is known,” says Roland Yeung. “It explores how composers trained outside China blend Western compositional techniques with the spirit and storytelling of Chinese culture, brought to life by Melbourne musicians.”
This Lunar New Year Concert affirms the Grainger Wind Symphony as one of Melbourne’s most versatile and community-minded ensembles, offering audiences a program that balances reflection, cultural connection, and festive celebration.
OUR SOLOISTS ALYSSA WONG violin AND SANDY YAO dizi
To read their biographies in English and Chinese languages click here
我們的獨唱手：黃愛玲與姚珊迪
點此閱讀她們的英文和中文簡介 click here
PROGRAM NOTES 節目單
Below, each work in the program will be listed with program notes and soloist details. The order does not reflect the performance order, but may be close!
To read about the composer and the work click here.
Chinese Folk Rhapsody by Richard BROWN
To read about the composer and the work click here.
New Song of the Herdsman for Dizi and band by Simon Yuen-hing YAU – Sandy Yao – dizi soloist
To read about the composer and the work click here.
Internet Symphony “Eroica” 2009 by Tan DUN
To read about the composer and the work click here.
Selections from the opera Turandot by Gioccomo Puccini arr. Yo Goto
To read about the composer and the work click here.
Ambush: Return with honor by CHEN Qian
To read about the composer and the work click here.
Liang Zhu: Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto by HE Zhanhao and CHEN Gang – Alyssa Wong violin soloist
To read about the composer and the work, click here.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon by Tan DUN arr. Michael BROWN
To read about the composer and the work click here.