After ten years of collaboration, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the New York Philharmonic (NY Phil) proudly presented the American premiere of Émigré, a semi-staged oratorio that beautifully fuses Eastern and Western traditions. This milestone performance took place at the newly renovated Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, a $550 million transformation that now stands as a beacon of modern musical artistry.
Émigré, a large-scale musical drama brought vividly to life without elaborate costumes or sets, was conducted by Maestro Long Yu, artistic director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and music director of the SSO. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping this international collaboration.
This visionary work, which had its world premiere at Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall, features music by renowned film composer Aaron Zigman (The Notebook) and lyrics by Grammy winner Mark Campbell and songwriter Brock Walsh. Directed by Mary Birnbaum, Émigré tells a deeply human story of identity, displacement, and hope, a narrative that resonates across cultures and generations.
As reported by Global Times, Zigman reflected on the project’s purpose: “Music has the power to unite humanity, creating a bridge between us and reminding us that we are all one people.”
The performance of Émigré at Geffen Hall not only celebrated a decade of friendship between two of the world’s leading orchestras, it reaffirmed music’s timeless role as a force for connection, compassion, and shared understanding.