The Song of the Earth for orchestra, soprano and baritone

The Song of the Earth by Ye Xiaogang is a contemporary orchestral work that reimagines Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde through a distinctly Chinese lens. Drawing on the lyrical beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry, Ye sets classical Chinese texts to music, exploring themes of nature, impermanence, and human longing. The piece is both meditative and emotionally resonant, with music that echoes the philosophical depth of the original poems. Ye’s orchestration delicately balances Eastern and Western elements, allowing ancient Chinese verse to speak through modern musical language. 

M. Butterfly, a chamber opera

M. Butterfly is a chamber opera that premiered in the summer of 2023, featuring a libretto by Pan Geng and music by Ma Hanrui, inspired by David Henry Hwang’s acclaimed play M. Butterfly. This production weaves together three vocal roles—a tenor, a baritone, and a male dan from Peking Opera—supported by the Bard East/West Ensemble’s unique fusion of Chinese and Western instruments. The opera tells the tragic story of a French diplomat entangled in his own "Madame Butterfly" fantasy, with a twist. Elegant and unsettling, M. Butterfly explores themes of identity, deception, and the devastating power of cultural myth.

Four Seasons in Lingering Garden《四季留园》 for mixed ensemble and dancers

Wang Danhong’s Four Seasons in Lingering Garden is a vivid orchestral suite inspired by the classical Chinese garden in Suzhou. In Wang’s new arrangement exclusively for the Bard East/West Ensemble, she captures the shifting moods of each season through the interplay of traditional Chinese instruments alongside a Western string quintet. The music evokes the elegance and tranquility of the Lingering Garden, blending lyrical melodies with intricate textures. Choreographer Dai Jian imbues the piece with the graceful movement of two dancers joining the ensemble on stage.