Concerts feature Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Fourth Symphony and a world premiere in celebration of the Lunar New Year
Multi-instrumentalist Hong Wang will perform a concerto written for Liquanqin (a new type of erhu, a Chinese two-stringed instrument) by composer Kui Dong
Thousand Oaks, CA, January 7, 2025 – On January 25 and 26, New West Symphony (NWS) opens its 30th Anniversary season, “A Symphonic Odyssey,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s stunning Fourth Symphony with its brilliant score, emotional melodies and recognizable folk songs.
January marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. NWS commissioned a world premiere by composer Kui Dong written for Chinese multi-instrumentalist Hong Wang. Dramatic and beloved music from space-themed films Apollo 13 and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial will take audiences of all ages on an inspiring journey.
“Our 30th Anniversary Season, itself a year of great adventures, starts with a musical journey fit to launch this wonderful time in New West Symphony’s history,” said Music Director Michael Christie. “I’ve selected music that exemplifies the full range of orchestral might, from the musical fireworks of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, to the soaring heights of Hollywood's Silver Screen, to the evocative sounds of Chinese traditional instruments in honor of the Chinese New Year.”
Meet the Artists
Prior to the weekend performances, NWS hosts Meet the Artists on Thursday, January 23 at 2 p.m. at University Village Thousand Oaks. Meet the Artists provides a unique “behind the scenes” experience hosted by Maestro Christie with guest artists Hong Wang and Kui Dong. The free event begins with a dessert reception at 1 p.m. Reservations are required by calling University Village at 805.241.3300 at least 48 hours in advance. The event is also livestreamed on the NWS Facebook page and YouTube channel. More info at newwestsymphony.org/meet-the-artists.
New West Symphony presents A Symphonic Odyssey
Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. - Bank of America Performing Arts Center (BAPAC)
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks
Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. - Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center (RCPAC)
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
Michael Christie, conductor
Hong Wang, liquanqin (a new type of erhu, a Chinese two-stringed instrument)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4
Ligeti: Concert Românesc
Kui Dong: Resonating Lands (World Premiere in honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year)
Horner: Music from Apollo 13
John Williams: Adventures on Earth from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Ticket prices range from $40-$134. Tickets for students and children are $15. The January concerts are generously sponsored by Michele and Dr. Russell Spoto. At these concerts, NWS honors the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association.
Other Upcoming Concerts
Carmina & Carnival
Saturday, March 1, 2025 (BAPAC) | Sunday, March 2, 2025 (RCPAC)
Michael Christie, conductor
Vieness Piano Duo (Vijay Venkatesh, piano; Eva Schaumkell, piano)
Celana Shafer, soprano
Arnold Livingston Geis, tenor
José Adán Pérez, baritone
New West Symphony Chorus, Wyant Morton, director
Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director
State Street Ballet, Cecily MacDougall, director
Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals
Orff/Killmayer: Carmina Burana
Bohemian Rhapsody & Carmen
Saturday, April 5, 2025 (BAPAC) | Sunday, April 6, 2025 (RCPAC)
Michael Christie, conductor
Angels Vocal Art, Kristof van Grysperre, artistic director
Pepperdine University Chamber Choir, Dr. Ryan Board, director
Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director
Bizet: Selections from Carmen (1875)
Smetana: “Moldau” from Ma Vlast (1875)
J.S. Bach: Selections from Cantatas - “Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern,” “Jesum lass ich nicht von mir” and “Preis und Dank” (1725)
Bohemian Rhapsody, Rhinestone Cowboy, Mamma Mia (1975)
New 2025 Masterpiece Series subscription packages and single tickets are on sale now. Subscribers receive up to 20% off single ticket prices and other discounts, free ticket exchanges, invitations to exclusive events and other benefits. Choose-Your-Own packages of 3, 4 or 5 concerts are also available for a 10% discount off single ticket prices. For full performance details and to order tickets, visit newwestsymphony.org or call 866.776.8400.
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About Multi-Instrumentalist Hong Wang
Hong Wang is the founder of the Melody of China ensemble; co-founder of the Pangea Project; Music Director of the National Music Campaign Revival of the China Record Group, National Concert Hall and Beijing’s China Music House; and a Music Researcher for the China Conservatory of Music. He has been a multi-instrumentalist for the studio recordings of many films, TV episodes, games and music productions, including Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and The Legend of Korra. In 2023, he was invited by Netflix to play various Chinese instruments for Avatar: The Last Airbender, and in 2024, he was invited to participate in the global tour of Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert.
About Composer Kui Dong
Kui Dong‘s music has been performed and commissioned by numerous ensembles and has received honors and prizes from a wide spectrum of prestigious institutions, including being named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow. Dong’s compositions span diverse genres that include ballet, orchestral and chamber works, chorus, electro-acoustic music, film scores, multimedia art and free improvisation. Her works written in the US show a unique synthesis of influences from avant-garde experimental, jazz and other ethnic music, and maintain a profound respect to Western classical music and a deep cultural connection with her roots. She is a professor of Music Composition at Dartmouth College.
About Music Director Michael Christie
Named New West Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director in December 2018, GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor Michael Christie is a thoughtfully innovative conductor, equally at home in the symphonic and opera worlds, who is focused on making the audience experience at his performances entertaining, enlightening and enriching. Deeply committed to bringing new works to life, he has championed commissions by leading and emerging composers. michaelchristieonline.com
About New West Symphony
Founded in 1995 and celebrating its 30th Anniversary season in 2025, the New West Symphony (NWS) is a professional orchestra that draws players from the rich talent pool of professional LA-area musicians. NWS is a resident company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks and also performs at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The organization presents six Masterpiece Series concerts annually, performing major works from the symphonic repertoire with internationally-acclaimed guest artists. NWS also provides education and engagement opportunities for the communities it serves through Symphonic Adventures for youth and the Laby Harmony Project for underserved students. newwestsymphony.org
Concerts feature Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Fourth Symphony and a world premiere in celebration of the Lunar New Year