Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary & Supporting Alzheimer’s Awareness
The Midwest Asian Health Association, Dongfang Performing Arts, and Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society proudly present “Bridges We Build, Memories We Keep,” a special cultural concert celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States while raising awareness and support for Alzheimer’s disease and memory care. The program is led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Jia.
Blending classical music, vocal performances, gospel inspiration, and dance, the concert reflects the rich diversity and cultural spirit that continue to shape America’s story.
Organizers hope the event will not only celebrate America’s historic milestone but also bring greater public awareness to Alzheimer’s disease — a condition impacting millions of families nationwide. Through music and artistic expression, the concert seeks to honor memories, strengthen community connections, and inspire compassion across generations.
This concert is presented by: Midwest Asian Health Association | Dong Fang Chinese Performing Arts Association | Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society
Venue: Symphony Center
Price: $45.00+ (incl. fees)
Schedule
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Program
| Rossini | William Tell Overture (威廉·退尔序曲) |
| American Folk Song | Shenandoah (情人渡) |
| He Fang | Jasmine Flower (Mò Lì Huā) (茉莉花) |
| Rossini | “Largo al factotum” from Il barbiere di Siviglia (快给大忙人让路) — 选自歌剧 (塞维利亚的理发师) |
| Tuoga | Father’s Prairie, Mother’s River (Fùqīn de Cǎoyuán, Mǔqīn de Hé) (父亲的草原，母亲的河) |
| He & Chen | Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto (excerpt) (梁山伯与祝英台) (选段) |
| Shi | In the Promising Field (Zài Xīwàng de Tiányě shàng) (在希望的田野上) |
| Handel | “Da tempeste” from Giulio Cesare (从暴风雨中归来) — 选自歌剧 (朱利叶斯·凯撒) |
| Lehár | “Lippen schweigen” from Die lustige Witwe (相对无言) —选自歌剧 (风流寡妇) |
Performers
Avant Symphony Orchestra
Under the artistic leadership of Mina Zikri, Avant Symphony—formerly known as Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago—represents a new chapter in the organization’s artistic evolution. Bringing together accomplished musicians from across the Chicago area and beyond, the ensemble presents performances that explore both the orchestral repertoire and diverse musical traditions, fostering cultural exchange through live music.
Mina Zikri
Conductor
Mina Zikri is Music Director of the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra and Founder and Music Director of the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago. His artistic development was shaped through collaborations with renowned conductors Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, and Pierre Boulez.
As both violinist and conductor, Zikri has appeared throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East, including engagements with the Egypt National Symphony Orchestra and multiple appearances in China. Drawing on a career that spans international stages and Chicago’s vibrant musical community, he brings a distinctive blend of artistic rigor, global perspective, and expressive leadership to every performance.
Boya Wei
Soprano
Soprano Boya Wei has been praised by Opera News for her “delicate phrasing and pearly tone” and by The New York Times for her “beautifully rounded soprano and exquisite expression.” She has appeared with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and Lyric Unlimited, and has performed throughout the United States in both operatic and concert repertoire.
An advocate for contemporary music and new works, Wei has originated roles in numerous premieres and made her Lincoln Center debut at the David H. Koch Theater. Recognized for her expressive artistry and versatility, she is an alumna of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Mannes School of Music.
Yang Liu
Violinist
Violinist Yang Liu is an internationally acclaimed artist and prize winner of the XII International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Praised by The New York Times for his “scorching performance” and by The Washington Post for his “dazzling talent,” he has appeared as soloist with major orchestras across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Drawing on a career that spans more than forty countries, Liu combines virtuosic artistry with a commitment to cultural exchange through music. He is co-founder of the Yang & Olivia Arts Foundation, which promotes multicultural music education and community engagement through performance and outreach.
Ballet Beyond Borders
Founded through connections established at the Ballet Beyond Borders (BBB) festival, Ballet Beyond Borders Company is an international ensemble of dancers, choreographers, and educators representing diverse artistic traditions and cultural backgrounds. Since 2016, BBB has provided a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together artists to develop and present original choreography. The company has performed in China, Russia, Pakistan, Cuba, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Montana, reflecting its commitment to cross-cultural collaboration through dance.
Mark Hubbard and The Voices
Founded in 1985, Mark Hubbard & The Voices is a Grammy and Stellar Award-winning gospel ensemble renowned for its contributions to the tradition of African American gospel music. The ensemble has performed with legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, and BeBe & CeCe Winans, and has appeared on major platforms such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. Founder and Artistic Director Mark Hubbard is a respected conductor, educator, and advocate for the preservation and advancement of gospel music.
