DCINY to Present TWO CULTURES - ONE DREAM at Carnegie Hall, 2/16

On President's Day, Monday, February 16 at 7:00 pm, Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) will present Two Cultures-One Dream at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium. The powerful program pairs two major works: the world premiere of Exodus by Memphis-based composer Earnestine Rodgers Robinson, renowned for her moving oratorios on spiritual themes, and conducted by DCINY Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Jonathan Griffith; and the historic Yellow River Cantata - written by composer Xian Xinghai in 1939 to encourage the Chinese people to take up arms against their invaders - under the baton of DCINY Debut Conductor Jie Yi. Outstanding choruses hailing from China, Taiwan, New Zealand, and across North America will make up the Distinguished Concerts International Chorus which will be heard with the Distinguished Concerts Orchestra.

Visiting composer Earnestine Rodgers Robinson is deeply inspired by scripture in her large-scale compositions. Her previous oratorios, The Crucifixion and The Nativity, were premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1997 and 2001, respectively, and have been widely acclaimed by audiences and the media. Exodus, a four-part oratorio with narration, passionately depicts the story of the enslaved Israelites living in the land of Egypt; their deliverance from Egyptian captivity; and their ultimate triumph in reaching the Promised Land. Exodus was arranged and orchestrated by Heather Sorenson. The premiere performance will feature narrators Michelle McKissack and Pastor James T. Meeks.

The historic Yellow River Cantata, incorporating both Chinese and Western musical styles, was written in 1939 by Xian Xinghai with lyrics by Guang Weiran. In November of 1938, Weiran himself led a Squad of the "Anti-Enemy Troupe" across the Yellow River and into the communist anti-Japanese headquarters in the Lüliang Mountains. During his journey, he witnessed the local boatmen battle against heavy gales and torrential waves and heard their spirit-lifting songs. Upon reaching Yan'an in January 1939, Guang wrote a patriotic poem entitled "Yellow River" which he recited during the Chinese New Year celebration. Xinghai, who studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and returned to China in 1935, was present at the recital and was moved to write a cantata based on Weiran's poem. The Cantata soon spread to many parts of China to inspire its listeners to participate in the Anti-Japanese War. The work's movements include the "Boatmen's Song," as the men struggle against the Yellow River's torrents; along with praises for the river's grandeur and strength; and emotional, tearful laments, contrasted with optimistic passages, sung with strength and vitality. The powerful conclusion, "Unleash your Anger, the Yellow River," symbolizes the river's greatness, passionately rousing the Chinese people to stand strong against their oppressors. The DCINY performance will feature baritone Chai-lun Yueh, soprano Ana Isabel Lazo; tenor Tshombe Selby; and baritone Brian Wahlstrom.