National Music Centre (NMC) is thrilled to announce Mid-Autumn Festival from September 20-22 at Studio Bell. The three-day festival in collaboration with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre will celebrate the music and traditions of Canada’s Chinese and Asian communities.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a significant cultural event traditionally celebrated by Chinese and other Asian communities, symbolizing the full moon harvest, unity, harmony, and the gathering of family and friends. NMC’s festival will capture the spirit of this cherished tradition, weaving traditional and contemporary art forms together while building connections and an appreciation for different forms of music.
Over the three-day event, attendees can expect ticketed evening concerts with Jasmine Jazz featuring Jodi Proznick Trio and Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble on September 20, and instrumental fusion ensemble XIA-3 on September 21.
2023 Western Canadian Music Instrumental Artist of the Year Award Winner Jasmine Jazz brings a contemporary sound to the unusual and exquisite interplay between traditional Chinese and jazz instruments. Jasmine Jazz features musicians from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble and is led by JUNO-nominated bassist and composer, Jodi Proznick.
Hailing from Newfoundland, XIA-3 seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with Western post-rock sensibilities. Established in 2022, the band is spearheaded by guzheng virtuoso Dr. Jing Xia, and supported by seasoned St. John’s punk rockers Ritche Perez on baritone guitar and Brian Downton on drums. Tickets are on sale now for both concerts at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
During the daytime on September 21 and 22, NMC will offer free matinee performances from local artists and dancers, including Calgary’s Gai Lan Ensemble, the Calgary Chinese Orchestra, Zhaoli Dance School, and much more. Visitors will also experience lion and dragon dances throughout the building, a pop-up market, and hands-on activities for families. Admission will be free for all daytime activities at Studio Bell. Find the full schedule at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
Additionally, NMC will host a singing contest, called Mid-Autumn Star, with one act winning recording time in NMC’s world-class studios. Emerging artists are encouraged to submit their music to be considered for the contest. The top 10 submissions will be invited to practice and perform for festival attendees during the day on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22.Then they’ll come back to perform live in the evening of September 22 for the Mid-Autumn Star Finals, where each artist will receive live feedback onstage from a panel of established musicians and industry pros. Artists interested in performing and receiving feedback can upload their submissions at studiobell.ca/mid-autumn-star by Friday, September 6 at 11:59 pm MT.
“Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated throughout Asia where music, mooncakes, lantern-making, and connecting with family and friends play a big role,” said Tony Wong, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre’s President. “We’re excited to bring this tradition to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and invite everyone to join us for this exciting celebration of music and community.”
“Collaborating with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival is an exciting opportunity for NMC to bring a national perspective to a popular annual event among local Chinese and Asian communities,” said Andrew Mosker, NMC’s President and CEO. “We look forward to a vibrant and memorable event that will bridge traditional Chinese culture with mainstream Canadian culture, and bring people together through the universal language of music.”
To see the full Mid-Autumn Festival schedule and to purchase tickets, visit studiobell.ca/whats-on.
