Past Events

A Midsummer Chinese Music Concert: Masters and Masterpieces (8/1/2026)

National First-Class Conductor Yang Chunlin Leads an All-Star Lineup Featuring Zhu Changyao, Wenying Wu, Yu Zhang, Yang Yongjuan, and Other Renowned Chinese Musicians

Los Angeles, CA

The Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC) will proudly present “A Midsummer Chinese Music Concert: Masters and Masterpieces” on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Los Angeles area. Featuring some of the most distinguished Chinese traditional musicians and professional performers from around the world, this concert will focus on pure instrumental music and showcase the richness, depth, and diversity of Chinese musical heritage.

The concert is produced by Landy Lee, President of CMASC, and will feature guest conductor Yang Chunlin, China’s National First-Class Conductor and renowned composer, together with CMASC Resident Conductor Xing Changjiang. Under their direction, the orchestra will perform a selection of celebrated Chinese orchestral and instrumental masterpieces, highlighting both the artistic sophistication and cultural significance of traditional Chinese music.

This special event brings together an impressive roster of acclaimed artists, including Zhu Changyao, a leading representative of the Jiangnan Sizhu tradition; Wenying Wu, virtuoso Yangqin performer; Yu Zhang, distinguished Suona soloist; and Yang Yongjuan, former Associate Principal of the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater Orchestra and a National First-Class Performer. Additional musicians from prestigious institutions such as the Central Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, and Xinghai Conservatory of Music will also participate, making this a truly exceptional evening of Chinese instrumental music.

Concert Highlights

Zhu Changyao

Zhu Changyao will perform the Hengchun folk song “Thinking of Home” (Si Xiang Qi) on the Da Guang Xian, a traditional Taiwanese string instrument, capturing the rustic charm and emotional depth of Taiwan’s folk music tradition. He will also join Gehu performer Wu Yuyi in the duet “Looking Toward Each Other” (Xiang Wang), a deeply expressive work featuring an intimate musical dialogue between the two instruments.

Wenying Wu

Yangqin virtuoso Wenying Wu will present her original composition “Spring Blossoms and the Song of Orioles”, a work that combines sophisticated musical textures with extraordinary technical artistry to evoke reflections on memory, life, and the passage of time.

Yu Zhang

Suona master Yu Zhang will perform the beloved classic “Hundreds of Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix” (Bai Niao Chao Feng), using the instrument’s powerful and expressive voice to portray the vitality and beauty of the natural world.

Yang Yongjuan

Huqin artist Yang Yongjuan will perform the famous Peking Opera melody “Ye Shen Chen” (Deep Into the Night), demonstrating the dynamic balance of strength and elegance characteristic of traditional Chinese operatic music.

Featured CMASC Principal Musicians

Several outstanding principal musicians from CMASC will also take part in the concert, including:

Celia Liu, Principal Pipa performer and former musician with the China National Traditional Orchestra.
Kevin Fan, Dizi performer and graduate of the Xinghai Conservatory of Music.

For this concert, we are specially honored to invite Ms. Peggy Zhao—a prominent North American news anchor, TV producer, and major event host—alongside rising star Susanna Liang from Walnut High School, to co-host the evening.

Together, they will showcase the orchestra’s years of dedication to preserving and advancing Chinese traditional music.

About CMASC

Founded in 2015, the Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural arts organization. Through concerts, educational outreach, and cultural exchange programs, CMASC has remained committed to promoting Chinese traditional instrumental music and sharing its beauty with communities throughout Southern California.

A Message from Landy Lee

“In Southern California’s multicultural environment, we remain committed to instrumental performance as the heart of our artistic mission. We respect the integrity of every work and value the expressive power of music itself. We believe that truly moving music lies not in embellishment, but in the authentic emotions conveyed through every bow stroke and every breath.”

Lee added that this concert is not only an artistic presentation but also an important exchange among musicians of different generations. Through a dialogue between tradition and innovation, the event aims to provide audiences with a deeper appreciation of the profound heritage of Chinese instrumental music.

Concert Information

Concert Title: A Midsummer Chinese Music Concert: Masters and Masterpieces

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)

Venue

Sophia B. Clarke Theater
Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC)
1100 N. Grand Avenue
Walnut, CA 91789 USA

Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sophia+B+Clarke+Theater+Mt+San+Antonio+College

Presented by:
Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC)

2025 Annual Concert (5/31/2025)

Golden Snake Dance: A Concert of Masterpieces by Renowned Artists

10th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of traditional Chinese music as the Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC) presents its 10th Anniversary Concert — Golden Snake Dance: A Concert of Masterpieces by Renowned Artists — on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Sophia B. Clarke Theater, Mt. San Antonio College.

This special performance will feature Master Zhu Changyao, a renowned erhu virtuoso and leading figure of the Jiangnan silk-and-bamboo tradition, in his highly anticipated appearance in Southern California. He will perform alongside CMASC’s orchestra, principal musicians, and conductor, presenting over 14 iconic Chinese music masterpieces in a program that bridges tradition and innovation.

Since its founding, CMASC has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese music, fostering young talent, and building cultural connections through each performance. This milestone concert not only celebrates ten years of music-making but also honors the deep cultural roots and evolving spirit of Chinese music in the community.

Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)

Location:

Sophia B. Clarke Theater

Mt. San Antonio College

1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut, CA 91789

Admission: Reserved seating | Free parking

Ticket Information

VIP Tickets: Regular $65 | Early Bird $40
General Admission: Regular $45 | Early Bird $20

How to Purchase Tickets

Scan the QR Code on the poster
Complete the ticket request form
After payment, your e-ticket will be sent via text message

Ticket Inquiries: 909-618-3885 (Landy)

Website: www.chinesemusicsocal.com

Celebrate a Decade of Music and Culture

We warmly invite you to experience this milestone concert with family and friends. Come and enjoy the timeless beauty of Chinese music, brought to life by some of its finest artists.

2nd Annual West Covina Moon Festival (9/21/2024 – 9/22/2024)

Date – September 21-22, 2024
Time – Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
Location – Historic Downtown West Covina, S Glendora Ave./Lakes Dr.

Chinese Music Association of Southern California was invited to participate in the Chinese American Association’s 2nd Annual West Covina Moon Festival. This two-day celebration, taking place on September 21-22, 2024, brought a vibrant and culturally enriching event, held at Historic Downtown West Covina on S. Glendora Ave and Lakes Dr.

We are excited to contribute to this festive occasion by performing a selection of classic Chinese music that celebrates the traditions and stories of the Moon Festival. Our performance took place on Saturday, September 21, from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM on the main stage.

The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most significant cultural holidays celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide. This event in West Covina featured an array of cultural performances, food vendors, and activities suitable for all ages.