At noon on May 15, 2024, the Music Department held a unique music salon Workshop in classroom CC-129. Associate Professor Jie Wang, along with the students, explored Shakespeare and Broadway musicals through historical retrospection, plot introductions, video presentations, live performances, and impromptu interactions, allowing the audience to experience the wonderful stories of the great playwright and classic musicals as if they were there.

                             (Scene of the music salon)

The great playwright Shakespeare created 37 plays in his lifetime, many of which have become classic stories in musicals. As a new medium for Shakespeare's plays, Broadway musicals have breathed new life into these philosophical stories, exquisite language, and quirky humor. In the music salon, Jie introduced wonderful excerpts from Broadway musicals such as "The Lion King," "West Side Story," "Kiss Me, Kate," and "Something Rotten!" showcasing how Shakespeare's works were reinterpreted in the 20th century.

                               ( Jie leading everyone into Shakespeare and musicals)

During the event, students from the Music Department performed wonderful excerpts from classic Broadway musicals. The students, playing different roles, delivered vivid and passionate performances, winning rounds of warm applause from the audience. In the impromptu interaction session, students from the Music Department and other departments jointly performed creative and interesting scenes. This close-up interactive teaching mode allowed the students to experience the joy and magic brought by classic music, with enthusiastic applause repeatedly ringing out.

                               (Students performing excerpts from classic musicals)

                              (Students performing excerpts from classic musicals)

Jie Wang has an international education background and work experience that spans across China, Australia, and the United States. Have completed a dual master's degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from New York University, she also holds a professional diploma from Berklee College of Music. At NYU, she served on the adjunct voice faculty and while at Berklee, served as an associate professor and admissions interviewer. In China, Jie taught at the prestigious Shanghai Theatre Academy. She has a profound understanding and rich experience in musical theater performance and teaching. In this event, through on-site explanations and interactive performances, the presenter together with everyone, embarked on a time-traveling journey through Shakespeare and musicals, exploring the inseparable connection between the classical Shakespeare and the fashionable Broadway musicals.

                           (The picture shows Jie and students jointly exploring musicals)

The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students of the Music Department and other departments. The venue was packed, with latecomers even standing at the door to listen and watch. At the end of the event, the students were thirsting for more knowledge and gathered to exchange ideas. The Assistant Dean Dr. Geuntae Park, the Head of the Music Department Tom Stein, and some teachers also observed the event.

                         (The event venue was packed)

                       (A group photo at the end of the event)

From：Music Department

Responsible Editor: Sienna Wu  

Copywriting: Wang Jie  

Partial Photography: Sienna Wu

Editor: Jerry Duan