In a historic collaboration, celebrated musicians from China and the United States came together in Shanghai for a monumental four-year co-commissioned work. The oratorio, titled ‘Émigré,’ was commissioned by Maestro Long Yu, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO), and the New York Philharmonic (NY Phil). Its global premiere, held from November 17-20, was a testament to the unifying power of music.
‘Émigré’ is a poignant musical work that delves into the history of over 30,000 Jewish refugees who found shelter in Shanghai during the 1930s, fleeing the horrors of the Nazis in Europe post-Kristallnacht. The oratorio, crafted by award-winning composer Aaron Zigman, with lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell and songwriter Brock Walsh, narrates the journey of two Jewish brothers who arrive in Shanghai as refugees in 1938. It explores their struggle and resilience in finding a new home and community in the midst of adversity.
The oratorio highlights Shanghai’s exceptional kindness and tolerance during a dark chapter in human history. According to conductor Yu, the performance resonates with the profound meaning and value of a community with a shared future, illuminating the brilliance of humanity.
Performed in English and embracing minimal visual and production elements, the oratorio featured soloists Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Zhu Huiling, Zhang Meigui, Shen Yang, Diana Newman, and Andrew Dwan. Their narratives did not only recount a story of love and warmth but also served as a musical bridge connecting China and the US.
The journey from the initial concept to the world premiere spanned four years, culminating in a diverse group of musicians uniting on stage in Shanghai. The piece, set to be performed by other orchestras in the future, aims to spread its message of love and hope globally, showcasing the transformative power of art. Yu, who will also conduct the NY Phil for the US premiere in February 2024 in New York City, highlighted the unifying force of music in a world often marred by chaos and turmoil.
For the audience, ‘Émigré’ transcended historical narratives, touching upon the shared human experience on this planet. Lyrics like “the house we share” and “through the window” echoed themes of empathy, compassion, and kindness, transcending nationalities, cultures, and beliefs.
This collaborative production is the second shared piece by the NY Phil and the SSO, following ‘One Sweet Morning’ in 2012. The earlier piece, composed by US composer John Corigliano, incorporated poetry from Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, showcasing the international appeal of traditional Chinese poetry.
Julie Kim, the vice president of production for the NY Phil, emphasized the enriching experience of US musicians working alongside the SSO and academy students, fostering a deep-rooted friendship over a decade. This partnership extends beyond music productions to joint talent training and various concerts, reaffirming music’s role as a connector of worlds. ‘Émigré’ stands as a powerful symbol of cross-cultural collaboration, highlighting the universal language of music in bridging diverse communities and histories.
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