New York, NY — EastWest Artistry NYC brought a night of extraordinary talent to the Triad Theater with its latest sold-out Talent Showcase, featuring a powerful lineup of six emerging performers and two guest artists. The program bridged classical repertoire, jazz innovation, and original compositions, capturing the heart of the organization’s mission to connect East and West through the arts.
The evening’s Audience Choice Award went to the Jazz Trio—Manqing Bian (piano), Rex Lycan (bass), and Ronan McKinnon (drums)—whose inventive interpretation of Variation Op. 41 blended classical structure with modern jazz flair. Their piece uniquely blended classical and jazz elements, representing the East-meets-West mission at the heart of Eastwest Artistry NYC. Their bold interpretation and collaborative energy earned enthusiastic applause and unanimous praise.
Leyao Chen, an accomplished New York-based cellist, opened with J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major. Her rich tone, poise, and lyrical interpretation created a deeply moving experience for listeners, highlighting her international training and professional artistry.
Xiaoya Gao, a Chinese pianist devoted to contemporary music, performed the world premiere of a new composition by Austrian composer Florian Hecher. Her expressive touch and thoughtful phrasing brought the modern piece to life with elegance and emotional depth.
Lena Wu, soprano and founder of EastWest Artistry NYC, delivered a brilliant performance of “È strano… Sempre libera” from Verdi’s La Traviata. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence brought opera lovers to their feet, reaffirming her place as both a leading artist and arts advocate in New York City.
The evening was a celebration of professionalism, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration. In addition to the featured artists, EastWest Artistry NYC extends its heartfelt thanks to the other talented performers who contributed their artistry to the evening: Jen Zou & Frances Tan, Julie Biancheri, Qiming Xue, and Ms. Cam. Each brought their unique voice and spirit to the stage, helping to create an inspiring and memorable showcase.
EastWest Artistry NYC remains committed to nurturing diverse voices and providing high-quality platforms for performance. With strong audience support and a growing community of artists, the organization looks forward to presenting even more vibrant events in the seasons ahead.
