Bridging Rhythms: Inside the Quest to Revitalize Classical Music
Allison Yang, photo courtesy of Luna Hao, The Scholart(艺海藏家) and Bridge Arts Foundation.
Allison Yang has been making waves in the classical music scene since 2015. Over the years, she's embarked on almost a hundred classical music tours spanning the US and Europe. Fast forward to 2023, Allison, alongside Chinese superstar Daniel Wu, was handpicked by the esteemed LA Weekly Asia to be hailed as "Asian Artist Ambassadors." Allison's creativity isn't just confined to her musical prowess.
Allison Yang, along with her dedicated production team, birthed the "Love Letters" piano concert series. This series draws inspiration from the heartfelt love stories of legendary music composers. Set to captivate audiences worldwide, "Love Letters" kicked off its global tour in September 2023, touching down in iconic cities including San Francisco, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Paris. The Los Angeles segment enjoys a collaborative partnership with The Bridge Arts Foundation.
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In the historic San Gabriel Mission, the past converges with the present. Within the heart of this iconic East Los Angeles landmark, renowned for its rich Hispanic heritage, sits The Scholart Selection Art Space. Tonight, it's not just the whispers of history that animate the space, but the lingering notes of a recently-concluded romantic candlelight concert: Allison Yang's "Love Letters." As the applause fades, the setting is intimate and warm, bathed in the glow of soft lighting and a room still enchanted by the magic of music.
Julia Hang: Allison, congratulations on a mesmerizing performance. The idea of "Love Letters" seems revolutionary in its own right. Can you delve into its inception?
Allison Yang: Thank you. My vision was simple – I wanted to pull classical music from its lofty place and make it more tangible. What better way than through love stories? It’s about humanizing the music, giving listeners a deeper connection to the composers and their emotions.
Allison Yang, photo courtesy of Luna Hao, The Scholart(艺海藏家) and Bridge Arts Foundation.
Julia: I’m curious about your early tryst with the piano. Can you walk us through that journey?
Allison: Of course. My journey began when I was three. My mom, seeing something special, introduced me to the world of piano. She saw it as more than just an instrument; she saw it as a path for me, driven by her own dreams and the qualities she believed I possessed.
Julia: Your collaboration with the Bridge Arts Foundation is quite noteworthy. What brought that on?
Allison: It felt right. Their mission to bridge cultural divides resonated with my aim to make classical music more approachable. Their support for young Asian talents and the integration of art forms made it a harmonious collaboration.
“LOVE LETTERS” Allison Yang Piano Concert Tour at Bridge Arts Foundation, Photo courtesy of Luna Hao, The Scholart(艺海藏家) and Bridge Arts Foundation.
Julia: With all the stages you've graced, any that remains close to your heart?
Allison: Unexpectedly, it was an impromptu performance at a Paris train station. It was pure, unscripted, and deeply connecting. It solidified my belief that music is universal and belongs to every soul, everywhere.
Julia: “Love Letters" has been captivating. What can we look forward to next?
Allison: We’re venturing into immersive theatre. Imagine reliving a composer's life story. It's a novel experience, steered by an all-Asian crew. We're breaking traditional molds and hope to craft something truly engaging.
Allison Yang (Left) and Cindy Wang (Right, Founder of Bridge Arts Foundation), photo courtesy of Luna Hao, The Scholart(艺海藏家) and Bridge Arts Foundation.
As the night envelopes The Scholart Selection Art Space, the echoes of Allison's passion resonate. It's evident that with visionaries like her, classical music's future is set to be a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, connecting souls across eras.