Author Archives: Joan Huang

What a contrast for the celebration of this year’s Chinese Dragon Boat Festival to that of last year’s! My old classmates from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music whom I hadn’t seen for more than 30 years came to visit, I decided that we celebrate the “Dragon Boat Festival” when they were in town. Along withContinue reading “Chinese Dragon Boat Festival – a Reunion (June 14, 2021)”

I love Charles Ives’ Variations on America (arranged by William Schuman for orchestra). As an immigrant, I know this country has brought me a lot of happiness and freedom. Today I’m paying respect to the heroes who have sacrificed their lives. I feel that I must do something for every occasion. Today is a beautifulContinue reading “Thoughts on Memorial Day (5/31/2021) (By Joan Huang)”

(5/25/2021, by Joan Huang) A year ago today, May 25th 2020, the scene of the George Floyd being crushed to death by the white policeman Derek Chauvin on his knees came to my eyes again. For the terrifying and wrenching tortures of 9 minutes and 29 seconds, Freud repeatedly pleaded desperately: “I can’t breathe! IContinue reading “My Thoughts on George Floyd’s Anniversary Commemorations…”

(By Joan Huang) Dvorak’s Songs Mother Taught Me was played on the squeaky phonograph in my house when I was a child, I remember that was a 78-rpm heavy record. Later, when the notorious Cultural Revolution took place, I helped my father to smash all the Western classical music records into pieces over night becauseContinue reading “Mother’s Day Luncheon in Our Garden (5/10/2021)(5/8/2022 Updated)”

The above is a very well-known piece Spring Festival Overture by the Chinese composer Li Huanzhi which is always played during the Chinese New Year. This young Chinese traditional orchestra played it fantastically. February is here, the increasing sunlight is rejuvenating the earth, and various camellias and azaleas bloomed in the garden. The hibernated plantsContinue reading “Happy New Year of the Ox !(By Joan Huang)”