Featuring soprano Huihui Lou, an evening of opera, chamber music, visual art, and cultural connection brought together New York City’s creative community.
NEW YORK, NY — October 23, 2026 — On October 22, EastWest Artistry NYC presented Candlelight Nocturne at OPERA America’s National Opera Center in Manhattan. Under the artistic direction of soprano and founder Lena Wu, the evening celebrated classical music, visual art, and cultural connection in an intimate salon setting.
The program opened with a special recital by Wu, followed by performances featuring soprano Huihui Lou, baritone Chisom (C.J.) Maduakor, pianist Diana Skobina, clarinetist Lourd Hadweh, and collaborative pianist Eric Sedgwick.
An Evening of Operatic Passion and Musical Expression
Featured soprano Huihui Lou presented two celebrated Puccini arias: “Donde lieta uscì” from La Bohème and “Tu che di gel cinta” from Turandot. Exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and farewell, the selections highlighted the emotional depth and dramatic expressiveness of Italian opera.
Baritone Chisom (C.J.) Maduakor explored contrasting expressions of devotion and mortality through Wagner’s “O du, mein holder Abendstern” from Tannhäuser and Verdi’s “Per me giunto… Io morrò, ma lieto in core” from Don Carlo.
Pianist Diana Skobina and clarinetist Lourd Hadweh presented the second and third movements of Francis Poulenc’s Clarinet Sonata, bringing the composer’s distinctive blend of lyricism and rhythmic vitality to the program. Skobina also performed At the Ruins of Bibikhanym by Uzbek composer Dilorom Amanullaeva, introducing a contemporary Central Asian musical perspective.
Collaborative pianist Eric Sedgwick contributed to the evening’s vocal performances, supporting the program’s expressive range.
Together, the artists presented a repertoire spanning German Romantic opera, Italian operatic masterpieces, French chamber music, and contemporary Uzbek composition, reflecting EastWest Artistry NYC’s commitment to cross-cultural artistic exchange.
Where Classical Music Meets Art and Community
Beyond the performances, the salon embraced EastWest Artistry NYC’s vision of connecting music, visual art, and community.
Original floral-inspired artwork by Lena Wu complemented the candlelit atmosphere, while a curated networking reception encouraged guests to engage with performers, cultural supporters, and fellow arts enthusiasts.
The evening was supported by DRYBOX and DELISHOUS Tea, which provided refreshments for guests. Additional supporters included Grace Aesthetic Flower Arts, Swingsly Flower, Jeffrey Bruce Baker, James Brummel, Steven Moy, and Dr. Grace Jeon.
Building Cultural Connections in New York City
Founded by Chinese-born, New York-based soprano and multidisciplinary artist Lena Wu, EastWest Artistry NYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
Through intimate performances, interdisciplinary showcases, and community gatherings, the organization creates professional opportunities for emerging artists while making classical music more accessible to diverse audiences.
Following Candlelight Nocturne, EastWest Artistry NYC will present Salon de Lumière on November 19, followed by its final salon of the 2026 season on December 10, both at OPERA America.
About EastWest Artistry NYC
EastWest Artistry NYC is a New York City-based nonprofit arts organization founded by soprano, visual artist, and producer Lena Wu. Its mission is to support emerging artists, encourage cross-cultural exchange, and bring communities together through music and the arts.
Media Contact
EastWest Artistry NYC
Email: info@eastwestartistrynyc.org
Founder & Artistic Director: Lena Wu
Instagram: @eastwestartistrynyc
Photography Credits: Hideki Aono, Heidi Ko, and contributing event photographers.
Professional event photography and additional information are available upon request.
