Musicians Celebrate Chinese New Year with Horse-Themed Concert

Bard College and Central Conservatory of Music collaborate on annual performance in New York City.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Musicians from Bard College Conservatory of Music's U.S.-China Music Institute and China's Central Conservatory of Music performed a concert on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse. The 7th annual "The Sound of Spring" event featured multiple musical pieces with horse-themed elements and drew an audience of around 1,000 people in New York City.

Why it matters

The annual concert showcases the cultural exchange between American and Chinese musical institutions, highlighting the growing interest and appreciation for Chinese culture and traditions in the United States. The performance also serves as a festive celebration of the Lunar New Year for the local Chinese community in New York.

The details

The concert featured musical pieces from both American and Chinese composers that incorporated horse-themed elements and imagery to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The performance was a collaborative effort between the U.S.-China Music Institute at Bard College and the Central Conservatory of Music in China.

  • The concert took place on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Bard College Conservatory of Music's U.S.-China Music Institute

A music institute at Bard College that focuses on promoting cultural exchange and collaboration between American and Chinese musical traditions.

Central Conservatory of Music

A prestigious music school in China that has partnered with Bard College's U.S.-China Music Institute for the annual "The Sound of Spring" concert.

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The takeaway

The annual "The Sound of Spring" concert demonstrates the growing appreciation for Chinese culture and traditions in the United States, as well as the ongoing cultural exchange between American and Chinese musical institutions.