On the evening of December 5, 2024, the UIC Music Department presented the UIC Orchestra concert, Moonlit Harmonics: A Symphony Across Time and Space. Held at the Performance Theatre, the event captivated the audience with its thoughtfully curated program, celebrating creativity, cultural depth, and the universal language of music.

Moonlit Harmonies: A Cultural Narrative Weaved in Music

The evening opened with a heartfelt performance by the UIC Choir under the baton of Mars Siu Hong Lei. The ensemble performed an evocative selection of pieces, including Vaga Luna (Beautiful Moon), If Tomorrow Were the Next Life, What’s Going On, and Heal the World. These works, brimming with emotional resonance and musical depth, set a lyrical and reflective tone for the concert.

Caption : The UIC Choir opens with Vaga Luna, evoking moonlit imagery.

Caption : Mars Siu Hong Lei conducts with precision and depth.

Symphonic Chapters: A Fusion of East and West

Following the intermission, the UIC Orchestra, conducted by Li Xu, took the stage with a program showcasing a blend of classical and cross-cultural works. The performance began with Haydn’s Symphony No.101 in D major “The Clock”, followed by Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of Animals, Sibelius’ Andante Festivo, and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo. These pieces reflected the orchestra’s technical excellence and ability to traverse diverse musical styles.

A highlight of the evening was Yun Gong Xun Yin, a stirring orchestral interpretation of a traditional Chinese melody. This was followed by the moving strains of David Foster’s Prayer. The program concluded with the dynamic energy of The Lion King Suite and Clarinet Polka, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired.

Caption : The orchestra delivers Haydn’s Symphony No.101 with elegance.

Caption : Yun Gong Xun Yin, conducted by Li Xu, bridges tradition and modernity.

Caption : A vibrant clarinet solo enlivens Clarinet Polka.

Encore: A Warm and Memorable Farewell

Amid thunderous applause, the orchestra returned for an encore, performing two beloved pieces:On the Moon and Good Night. These works, with their gentle and evocative melodies, brought the concert to a tender close, leaving the audience with an enduring sense of connection and warmth.

Caption : Good Night concludes the evening with grace, met with resounding applause.

Caption : Performers and staff mark the night with a group photo.

A Cross-Cultural Symphony: Embodying the Music Department’s Spirit

As a flagship event of the Music Department,Moonlit Harmonics: A Symphony Across Time and Spaceepitomized the UIC Orchestra’s dedication to musical innovation and cultural integration. Through a diverse program of Eastern and Western classics alongside timeless melodies, the concert seamlessly reflected the department’s brand essence,Dynamic and Vibrant, while embracing its evolving vision ofInnovation and Quality.

This concert not only highlighted the orchestra’s artistic excellence but also reaffirmed the Music Department’s position as a hub for cultural and creative exploration. Looking ahead, UIC’s Music Department promises to continue its mission of bridging cultures and inspiring minds through transformative musical experiences.

Responsible Editor and Copywriting: Sienna Xuanxuan Wu

Reviewed by: Sienna Xuanxuan Wu
Photography：Jiaming Xu