Location:
Hunters Point Branch of Queens Public Library, 47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11109

 

Join the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) for an afternoon dedicated to sharing immigrant stories. Experience a unique blend of jazz-infused Taiwanese folk songs and a dance theatre piece, delicately laced with feelings of joy and regret.

Pianist Sobina Chi-Kanter captures the essence of an immigrant’s homesickness, solitude, and aspirations as she masterfully performs a meld of jazz-tinted Taiwanese and American classics, including Harbor Night Rain 港都夜雨, The Olive Tree 橄欖樹, and Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind. Beginning with the evocative poem Small, Small Island by world-renown poet Zheng Chouyu 鄭愁予, Choreographer/Dancer Shan Y. Chuang’s dance theatre piece, 10 Years in the Making/10 Years of Me, delves into her personal query on “what life could’ve/would’ve been…,” as she juxtaposes memories from Taiwan with her current experiences in the United States.

Rich in emotion and sincerity, Roots: Music & Dance of Immigrant Stories invites you to immerse yourself in the shared sentiments that are an integral part of NYC’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

 

Sobina Chi-Kanter

Sobina Chi Kanter 祁苡瑄, pianist, composer, music director and educator. This native of Taipei, Taiwan came to the states to further her performing career. She received her BA and MM in jazz performance from CUNY Brooklyn College. She hopes to continue to make an impact on the New York/ New Jersey musical community and abroad. Music director credits include: Astoria Performing Art Center: “Man of La Mancha” (2022). National Taichung Theater: “Tropical Angels” (2019-2021). The Gallery Players: “Little Women” (2019) “Once upon a mattress” (2019) “A New Brain.” (2018) “You’re a Goodman Charlie Brown.” (2017) “Marry Me a Little.” (2017). Bishop Kearney High School: “Wizard of Oz“ (2019) “Godspell” (2018).

 

Shan Y. Chuang

Shan Y. Chuang is an accomplished actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and pianist born and raised in Taiwan. Shan was trained in classical ballet, traditional Chinese dance and various Musical Theatre genres. She is a proud graduate of Circle in the Square’s Musical Theater program and is currently a member of Katharine Pettit Creative and LINKED Dance Theatre. Her work explores the world of LGBTQIA+, social justice, and self-discovery through dance movements. IG @shanychuang.

 

This program is made possible by Culture Pass. Culture Pass is a program for cardholding patrons of New York City’s public libraries. Support for Culture Pass is provided by the Charles H. Revson Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.