Meng Wang Music Inc. presents The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Benefit Concert- Harmonies of Hope: A Different Kind of Healing in Review
Qianwen Shen, Violin; Bihan Li, Violin; Alexandrina Boyanova, Viola; Valeriya Sholokhova, Cello; Juan Esteban Martinez, Clarinet; Guilherme Andreas, Flute; Fangtao Jiang, Soprano; Jiahao Han, Piano
Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
October 7, 2024
Meng Wang Music presented a concert benefiting the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp at Weill Hall on Monday evening. Featuring the works (all world premieres) of seven young composers (aged thirteen to seventeen) who are part of the Meng Wang music program, it was a showcase of emerging talents for a worthy cause.
Meng Wang Music is a New York-based institute founded by composer Meng Wang. The institute offers young composers (Grades 3-12) instruction, intensive training, performance opportunities, and publishing and distribution. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded by legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman in 1988. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, residential summer camp, and year-round center serving children and their families coping with chronic illnesses such as cancer, sickle cell disease and many others.
One could not help but be impressed by the keepsake program, with portraits of the seven young composers on the cover and the extensive biographical information, not only of the composers, but all of the musicians as well. There were also thoughtful program notes for each work, which I am assuming were written by the composers for their respective works.
Let me stipulate before going on that these youngsters are all remarkably gifted, and their promise for the future is something that can and should be looked forward to with great anticipation. They are finding their voices, and it is not a shock that one can hear the influences of the “greats” (i.e., Haydn, Beethoven, and Shostakovich), and the at times almost formulaic development arcs. This is not meant to be a criticism, as the skill exhibited in getting even to that level is something many much older composers have struggled with – and with arguably less success. It was also notable that the line-up of musicians was made up of highly experienced players with impressive credentials, who deserve praise for their committed performances. Composers of any age would have been delighted to have these musicians play their works. I will list the names of the performers: Qianwen Shen, violin; Bihan Li, violin; Alexandrina Boyanova, viola; Valeriya Sholokhova, cello; Juan Esteban Martinez, clarinet; Guilherme Andreas, flute; Fangtao Jiang, soprano; and Jiahao Han, piano.
Now that the background information has been covered, it is time to talk about the compositions. The Art of Dunhuang by Chungyiu Mark Ma (b. 2008) opened the concert. It is a three-movement piece (1: Sanctum, 2: Echoes in Motion, 3: Eternal Wisdom) for solo clarinet and bass clarinet (the second and third movements are for the bass clarinet). It was probably the most “modern” work on the program. With the idiomatic exploration of the instrument’s possibilities (especially the bass clarinet), and the use of extended techniques, it reminded this listener of Edison Denisov’s works for clarinet.
Chronicle of Emergence, for solo piano, by Ella Bao (b. 2010) was up next. This two-movement work (1: Yin yang, 2: Awakening Gallop) features highly interesting harmonic language that danced on the edge of tonality without ever crossing into atonality. The second movement, Awakening Gallop, at times flirted with sarcasm, but never went completely in that direction.
Tiffany Qianzun Zhao (b. 2008) had two works on the program, Late June, for flute and piano, and Swaying Hope, for piano quintet, clarinet, flute, and soprano, which closed the program. Her style is unabashedly tonal, and she writes with an expansive sense of beauty and color. It is refreshing to hear a young person wholeheartedly embrace what some would call “reactionary” writing, and I hope she stays on this path. There is enough strife in our world as Ms. Zhao writes – she wants to be a voice for a peaceful and beautiful world. Late June has a sweet, pastoral quality. Swaying Hope takes inspiration from Bob Dylan. It was a highly poignant work, with not only lush sounds, but also tinged with nostalgic lament.
After intermission, Wanderer, for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, by Athena Zhang (b. 2007) opened the second half. It is an aptly named piece, with a quasi-improvisational feel, with the interplay and “passing” of melodic ideas around between the instruments. The piano writing was highly reminiscent of Bill Evans (who I greatly admire).
The next three works were all for string quartet. The first was Where the Shadow Falls, by William T. Wang (b.2011) . Mr. Wang’s composition is a throwback to an earlier time; it was if one stepped back into the 19th century. I am reluctant to use the word prodigy, as that term has been overused to the point of stripping it of its true meaning, but one could make a case for Mr. Wang. Such fluid and assured writing , stylistically and harmonically, for a thirteen-year-old is truly astounding. My only reservation is that it seems very much “in the style of “ writing. I’m sure he will find his own voice, and the sky’s the limit.
Jixiu Josh Shi (b. 2007) offered Nature’s Suite in three movements ( 1: Water, 2: Trees, 3: Birds). Water was lyrical and flowing. Trees was a little diffuse in style, sometimes hinting at the 20th century and then back to the 19th. Birds was clever, and one could easily hear the bird calls in it.
Reverie of Meadows, by Frederick Yip (b. 2007) was the final string quartet of the evening. Mr. Yip has developed a more distinct voice than most young composers – at least any influences were not overt. His writing is teeming with ideas, and he has a good grip on the interplay of the string quartet. He might have too many ideas, and some “tightening” would enhance his work.
At the end, all the composers (with the exception of Frederick Yip, who was not in attendance) joined all the performers and Meng Wang for a final bow. I look forward to following the progress of these young composers. Congratulations to all.
