On February 14, 2026, EastWest Artistry NYC presented a refined and thoughtfully curated Valentine’s Concert at Opera America in New York City. The 7:30 PM program brought together distinguished musicians for an evening that traversed Baroque architecture, Romantic intensity, and contemporary innovation. Guided by artistic vision and collaborative excellence, the concert embodied EastWest Artistry NYC’s mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting artists and audiences through music, art, and cross-cultural exchange.
The evening opened with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Allemande from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004. The performance captured the structural clarity and contemplative elegance of Bach’s writing, establishing a tone of intellectual depth and expressive restraint. The purity of line and disciplined phrasing invited the audience into a world of timeless sophistication.
A contemporary shift followed with Caroline Shaw’s In Manus Tuas, performed by Noah Stevens. The work’s luminous harmonies and suspended textures created a meditative atmosphere, balancing stillness with emotional resonance. The interpretation highlighted the spiritual intimacy embedded in Shaw’s modern language.
Alexander Scriabin’s Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 42, No. 5 brought Romantic fervor and virtuosic brilliance to the stage. The sweeping lyricism and dramatic contrasts illuminated Scriabin’s distinctive harmonic palette, blending technical precision with passionate intensity.
Diana Skobina delivered Rustam Abdullaev’s Prelude and Toccata with commanding authority. Her performance showcased rhythmic vitality and dynamic control, emphasizing the bold character and contemporary edge of the composition. The clarity and strength of her interpretation underscored her technical mastery.
Soprano Lena Wu presented Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s “Glück, das mir verblieb” (Marietta’s Lied) from Die tote Stadt. With luminous tone and refined phrasing, Wu conveyed both longing and vulnerability. Her interpretation captured the lush Romanticism of Korngold’s writing, demonstrating emotional depth and operatic sophistication.
A vibrant highlight of the evening was Brahms’ Hungarian Dance, performed by Seattle-based pianists Xi Lu and Boya Li. Their ensemble coordination, rhythmic vitality, and expressive nuance brought exuberance and elegance to the stage. The duo’s synergy reflected both precision and spontaneity, energizing the audience with their dynamic interplay.
Fazıl Say’s Black Earth introduced a contemporary dimension to the program. The piece’s percussive textures and folk-inspired elements created a striking contrast, exploring modern sonorities while remaining rooted in cultural tradition.
Jiayi Zhao offered a sensitive interpretation of Toru Takemitsu’s Piano Pieces for Children, embracing the composer’s subtle lyricism and delicate tonal colors. Her nuanced performance provided a moment of poetic intimacy within the evening’s broader arc.
The concert concluded with Giacomo Puccini’s iconic aria “Un bel dì, vedremo” from Madama Butterfly, performed by Lena Wu. Her rendition conveyed the fragile hope and emotional vulnerability of Cio-Cio-San with control and expressive sincerity, bringing the evening to a powerful and memorable close.
Accompanist Jason Wirth provided exceptional collaborative artistry throughout the program, supporting each performer with musical sensitivity and balance.
This Valentine’s Concert stood as a testament to New York City’s vibrant cultural landscape and EastWest Artistry NYC’s continued commitment to artistic excellence, global dialogue, and meaningful community engagement.
