SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Syracuse Orchestra held its second annual Lunar New Year Concert at Inspiration Hall, celebrating Asian culture through music.
Nine songs brought together by award-winning composer Ho-Yin Kwok highlighted Chinese, Korean and Japanese music, among other Asian cultures.
Kwok considers himself a bridge between the culture where he grew up, Hong Kong, and people across the United States.
“I’m just honored to be able to be kind of an ambassador of this rich culture, and to be able to express it through music to our audience,” said Kwok, a three-time winner of the American Prize for conducting who was recently appointed Director of Orchestral Activities at Ithaca College.
Award-winning conductor Ho-Yin Kwok conducts the Syracuse Orchestra © 2025 Patrick Scanlon
The Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrating the arrival of Spring in many different Asian countries. It’s known as a time to reunite with family. Each year is highlighted by one of 12 animals. This is the year of the snake.
Twins Ethan and Nathan Hahn were in the audience for the performance. The fifth graders play instruments and appreciated the different music throughout.
“All the varieties, the mix of songs, the formal dressing, and especially the bubble machine. That was very kid friendly,” said Hahn.
The blend of traditional instruments alongside nontraditional sounds was an interesting combination for the audience to hear. The unique melodies from some of the world’s oldest music left the audience wanting more.
The Lunar New Year Celebration at Inspiration Hall in Syracuse © 2025 Patrick Scanlon
The concert included non-traditional sounds—shaking paper and pops from percussion added interesting twists. From fireworks to Dragon dances, the sounds of the Lunar New Year were represented by the Syracuse Orchestra.
“It’s not just the fun element, or visual element,” said Kwok. “But also promoting contemporary music. Music that is written not just in the past, not just folk tunes, Beethoven, but also music that is freshly written.”
Even the local culture was highlighted, with one of the pieces, “Blow, fly, Pop!” written by Texu Kim, who used to be a professor at Syracuse University.
Out of all the traditions attached with the Lunar New Year, Kwok was a fan of the red envelopes filled with money that families would give to their children.
“I love the feeling of love and warmth from family members,” said Kwok. “But as a kid, I just went straight for the money inside”.
The Hahns said they are more of a fan of the explosive and colorful side of the holiday.
“I really like shooting the fireworks on the ground,” said Ethan Hahn. “They’re very fun to watch”.
The Syracuse Orchestra presents another concert focusing on Asian culture Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. and noon, with Kwok back to conduct.
Second annual Syracuse Orchestra Lunar New Year Concert © 2025 Patrick Scanlon