Oratorio chronicling Jewish refugees in Shanghai premieres in the US

On February 29th and March 1st local time, Chinese conductor Yu Long took the baton to lead the prestigious New York Philharmonic Orchestra and delivered two captivating performances of the oratorio "Émigré" in the David Geffen Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York. Collaborating with seven vocalists from both China and abroad, as well as the New York Philharmonic Chorus, this momentous occasion marked the debut of this joint creation by artists from China and the United States on the American stage.

"Émigré" tells the story of the sheltering of Jewish refugees in Shanghai during the 1930s in the run-up to World War II. The New York adaptation combines music with visual elements such as costumes and multimedia to present a realistic portrayal of historical Shanghai.

Conductor and music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Yu Long said he hopes to interpret the concept of a "Shared Future for Mankind" through art to promote a broader global understanding of China's connections with the world.

"To foster a genuine sense of national pride, it is crucial for us to nurture love in our hearts, an affection directed towards our country and its people. This authentic pride serves as the driving force behind promoting the concept of a 'Shared Future for Mankind' to different regions of the world," he emphasized.

Yu said that "Émigré" facilitates extensive collaboration between Chinese and American artists, using music to create artistic achievements that transcend national boundaries. He believes this piece serves as a model for cultural exchanges between China and the U.S., promoting mutual learning and understanding among people from both nations. It also contributes to the rich history of Sino-U.S. cultural exchanges. 

The conductor looks forward to more opportunities like this to share Chinese stories on a global stage. "Looking forward, our goal is to engage in more collaborations like this to share Chinese stories with a global audience. This is our hope, and we are enthusiastic about contributing our efforts and dedication," he added.

"Émigré" is one of the most spectacular opening shows in the New York Philharmonic's 2024 season. Media outlets including NPR and classical music radio station WQRX have extensively covered the show. To accompany the performance, the Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall is also organizing lectures, presenting an exhibition about the historical era, and inviting former Jewish refugees from Shanghai and their descendants to share their experiences.