Written by Sason Bishope
San Francisco – For a quarter of a century, the San Francisco Symphony’s Lunar New Year celebration has been one of the city’s most anticipated and cherished cultural events. But this year, for its 25th anniversary, the Symphony went above and beyond, delivering a show-stopping, awe-inspiring spectacle that beautifully honored the holiday’s traditions, artistry, and deep cultural significance. Held on February 8 at the illustrious Davies Symphony Hall, the evening was nothing short of magnificent. Symphony patrons, music lovers, and Lunar New Year revelers packed the venue for a night of music, dance, and immersive cultural experiences that paid homage to the Year of the Snake in grand style. This milestone celebration wasn’t just about music. It was a tribute to San Francisco’s rich Asian heritage, a reflection on tradition, and a dazzling display of community and unity.
A Celebration Rooted in Tradition
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, has been celebrated for over 3,500 years, marking the transition to a fresh, prosperous new year on the Chinese calendar. In Chinese culture, the Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and introspection, qualities that resonate deeply with many, including myself. It was a privilege to be part of a celebration that brings these values to life in such a spectacular way.
Beyond the festivities, the Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, prosperity, and joy, symbolized through vivid colors, striking décor, and mesmerizing performances. This year, the San Francisco Symphony’s Lunar New Year Concert embraced every element of that tradition, seamlessly blending Chinese culture’s beauty with orchestral music’s brilliance. And judging by the smiling faces and vibrant energy that filled the hall, it’s safe to say the night was a resounding success.
The evening kicked off with a vibrant pre-concert reception that transformed Davies Symphony Hall into a cultural wonderland. Guests were treated to a dazzling lineup of performances and hands-on experiences that set the tone for an unforgettable night.
The energy was contagious, from fortune readings by Golden Dragon Fortunes to mesmerizing dragon and ribbon dances by Lion Dance ME and the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company. The Asian Art Museum invited attendees to get creative with hands-on art experiences, while Dragon Papa’s Dragon Beard candy demonstration captivated audiences with its culinary artistry. Meanwhile, the stunning performances by Parangal Dance Company and Gamelan Sekar Jaya filled the air with rhythmic beauty, further immersing guests in the night’s theme.
As the event reached its official opening, San Francisco Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey and San Francisco’s newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie took the stage to recognize the importance of this 25-year tradition. They also honored Margaret Liu Collins and John Chen, whose dedication and support have played a crucial role in making this event a staple of the city’s cultural calendar. Reflecting on how much this event has evolved over the years was truly inspiring. It’s not just a concert; it’s a movement that continues to grow in impact and significance.
When the lights dimmed, the San Francisco Symphony took center stage under the baton of the brilliant Francesco Lecce-Chong, launching into an electrifying program that blended Eastern and Western musical traditions with breathtaking precision. The concert opened with An-Lun Huang’s Saibei Dance from Saibei Suite No. 2, instantly setting the stage with its exhilarating rhythms that capture the heart of Northwest China. Next, the audience was transported into a world of ethereal beauty with Tian Zhou’s Indigo, a GRAMMY-nominated orchestral masterpiece that left listeners absolutely spellbound.
Then came a true show-stopping moment: the world premiere of The Phoenix Ascends, a stunning symphonic work commissioned for this special anniversary by the Symphony from acclaimed composer Shuying Li. Li, a trailblazer in contemporary composition, shared touching memories of her childhood Lunar New Year celebrations, giving the audience a deeply personal connection to her inspiration.
Of course, no Lunar New Year concert would be complete without a dragon dance, and this year’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. As a majestic, sinuous dragon weaved through the aisles of Davies Symphony Hall, the crowd erupted in awe, completely mesmerized by the display of tradition and artistry. There’s nothing quite like the power and symbolism of the dragon; it’s fierce, regal, and pure magic in motion. The night culminated in a thrilling finale—an electrifying performance of Huan-zhi Li’s Spring Festival Overture, which had the entire audience on their feet in roaring applause. The piece’s infectious joy and celebratory energy brought the house down, ending the night on the highest of notes.
Year after year, the San Francisco Symphony proves why this event is such a defining moment in the city’s cultural scene. This was, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular Lunar New Year celebrations to date. The fusion of music, tradition, and community was nothing short of extraordinary, and those lucky enough to attend walked away with hearts full of joy and spirits lifted high.
For me, the Year of the Snake represents a personal reflection and hope for prosperity and fortune, not just for myself but for the world. And if this celebration was any indication, we are stepping into this new year with style, harmony, and a whole lot of inspiration. One thing is for sure—I’ll be counting down the days until next year’s celebration. See you at the next Lunar New Year Symphony!
For more info on the San Francisco Symphony, visit www.sfsymphony.org.
