A Midsummer Chinese Music Concert: Masters and Masterpieces
Grand Performance in Los Angeles on August 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 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.
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.
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.
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)
Tickets & Sponsorship
The Chinese Music Association of Southern California (CMASC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural arts organization. Admission to this concert is offered through Suggested Donations.
General Admission
Suggested Donation: $20
Reserved VIP Seating
Suggested Donation: $40
Your support helps CMASC continue its mission of preserving Chinese musical traditions, expanding educational programs, and serving the community through cultural arts initiatives.
Reservations
Phone: 909-618-3885
Or register online by scanning the event QR Code.
Please provide the following when making reservations:
- Name
- Contact Phone Number
- Ticket Type
- Number of Tickets
Seating is limited. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
