Fantastical Night 2019 promotes classical music culture

On April 19th, chamber music students and parents attended and performed a night of Mozart and Bach alongside more contemporary pieces at Fantastical Night 2019. Students performed solos such as “Zigeunerweisen Op. 20”, “Violin Sonata No. 2 in A minor Adante, BWV 1003”, and “Clarinet Concertino in E-flat major, Op. 26”. There were also three chamber performances, “Pastoral Symphony”, “Clair de Lune”, and the theme song of the hit television show Game of Thrones. Additionally, two students, YingYing Huang (9A) and Andy Kim (10), performed duets with their parents. Fantastical Night 2019 marked the first time that parents performed with their children at a school show, and the second time that chamber hosted a showcase on their own.

Ms. Helen He, one of the performing parents, expressed delight at being given the opportunity. An experienced violinist, Helen strives to transport people from their ordinary daily lives to a world of music whenever she performs. This time, she performed the duet “The American Suite in A major Op. 98 V. Allegro” with her daughter, YingYing. Another parent, Mrs. Elizabeth Park, performed “The Name of Life” on the piano with her son, Andy. 

In the weeks leading up to the show, chamber students haven’t been idle, either. On top of practicing their chosen pieces, YingYing and Clarisse Lo (9B) were assigned the task of designing the tickets and promotional poster of Fantastical Night. They decided on a gold, black, and white theme, Clarisse expressed, because Fantastical Night was an elegant, luxurious affair and they hoped to convey that. 

Ms. Jeannie Choi, the main organizer of the event, said the purpose of Fantastical Night was “to promote classical music in [the] SMIC school culture” in a way that “cannot be done well in [the] Christmas Concert and [the] Spring Concert.” She added, “I have always wanted to promote pure instrumental performances. [The show] is a platform for [students] to showcase their talent and interest.” Tickets and semi-formal attire were required for the show, and light snacks provided. 

Featured Image – Chamber students practice their performances Photo Courtesy of Clarisse Lo

by Esther Wu