If you are not aware, this year is known as The Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year was formally observed on February 10th. The Lunar New Year marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar.

The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar that combines the Moon's phases and the Earth's orbit around the Sun. It is traditionally utilized for religious observances, festivals and agricultural planning.
In contrast to the majority of other calendars, the Chinese calendar does not utilize a continuous numbering system for years. Instead, it employs a cyclical naming convention, where names are repeated every 60 years. This cycle aligns with the five repetitions of the Chinese zodiac, which consists of 12 animals. This year’s animal is the dragon.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra aims to draw attention to and celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon.

“It is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in several Asian countries. The holiday is rich with cultural significance, symbolizing the beginning of a new year filled with luck, prosperity, and happiness,” commented Meghan Woolbright, the marketing and office manager of the FSO.

The upcoming performance will showcase "The Year of the Dragon" composed by Philip Sparke. Originally composed for a brass band in 1984 and subsequently adapted for a wind band, "The Year of the Dragon" is a vibrant musical composition consisting of three movements.

Also planned for the concert is a performance of "Korean Folk Song" composed by John Barnes Chance. This musical composition is inspired by a traditional melody that the composer encountered during his time in Seoul, Korea, while he was serving in the U.S. Army.

This program is part of the Fayetteville Symphonic Band’s concert series.

“The Fayetteville Symphonic Band is a community of instrumentalists who are serious about keeping good wind band music in Fayetteville. The band’s membership is around 55, consisting mostly of wind and percussion musicians. The director of the band is Dr. Daniel McCloud, who plays in the Fayetteville Symphony’s percussion section and also is their Assistant Conductor,” explains Anna Meyer, the executive director at the symphony.

An exciting addition to this performance will be The Fayetteville Symphony’s collaboration with New Century International Elementary School's Chinese Immersion program.

At New Century International Elementary School kindergartners enter a Chinese immersion program. By the time they complete fifth grade they are fluent in both Chinese and English. This program not only offers students the opportunity to become bilingual but also promotes acceptance of different cultures and customs.

"Year of the Dragon" will take place on Tuesday, March 5 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Huff Concert Hall at Methodist College. 

Admission is free. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1714584462383046