Shanghai Chinese Orchestra – Lincoln Center – The Twelve Zodiac Animals: Dragon, Rat, Monkey

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The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra performed "The Twelve Zodiac Signs in Traditional Chinese Music" at New York's Lincoln Center in July 2025, as part of the "Shanghai Day" celebrations. This orchestra, founded in 1979, is one of China's premier ensembles dedicated to performing and promoting traditional Chinese orchestral music. With a vast repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary works, it aims to preserve and innovate the art of Chinese music by bringing it to both domestic and international audiences.

The concert featured live performances using traditional Chinese instruments such as the suona (a double-reed horn) and the pipa (a lute-like string instrument). These performances were synchronized with ink-wash style animations designed by artist Zhang Lelu, which vividly illustrated the cultural stories and symbolism behind the twelve zodiac animals.

Held at the David Rubinstein Atrium and the central plaza of Lincoln Center, the event attracted a broad audience, including many families. Children particularly enjoyed interactive segments where they could engage with the instruments and experience the unique sounds of Chinese orchestral music first-hand. This event was a highlight of the "Summer in the City Arts Festival: Shanghai Day," showcasing Shanghai’s distinctive cultural heritage as well as a fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

Beyond the orchestra’s performance, the "Shanghai Day" program included other cultural presentations such as excerpts from the dance drama "White Snake," screenings of classic Shanghai Animation Film Studio productions like "Havoc in Heaven," and a jazz performance featuring Shanghai trumpeter Li Xiaochuan. Together, these diverse performances created a rich cultural experience that celebrated Shanghai’s artistic vitality and fostered cross-cultural dialogue between China and the international community.


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