Clinton, NY – Hamilton College Performing Arts presents Shanghai Sonatas – A Musical Conversation on Sunday, February 16 at 3 pm in Wellin Hall, Schambach Center.
Shanghai Sonatas will be presented as a concert and conversation with the creators and lead performers of the new musical in creation.
Shanghai Sonatas tells the story of Jewish refugee musicians finding sanctuary in the Jewish Ghetto of Shanghai in the 1940’s. As a Jewish violinist takes on a troubled Chinese teenager as his student, a connection is made that helps both of them overcome their trauma and survive the war. This musical theater work in progress explores themes that carry through to this day. It is based on first-person accounts of European musicians who used their optimism, humor, and musical talents to survive while forging friendships with their Chinese neighbors who saved their lives until Allied forces brought freedom to the region in 1945. This performance is a compelling tale of how the unifying power of music brings cultures together.
The performance will include musical excerpts from this work in progress featuring singers, piano, violin, and erhu (a Chinese two-stringed fiddle) plus conversation and context from artistic director Sean Gao, historical consultant and Hamilton College Professor of East Asian Languages and Literature Zhuoyi Wang, and other creative partners.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $5 for students. For more information, call the box office at (315) 859-4331 or visit www.hamilton.edu/performingarts. This performance is funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts.
