Group to observe Tiananmen Square anniversary
Some East Meets West performers play to remember.
Some play so we'll never forget communism in the East and those who died seeking freedom.
The music arts group dedicated to creating cross-cultural understanding will honor the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre and the fall of the Berlin Wall at a concert at 7:45 p.m. Sunday at North Central College in downtown Naperville.
"It's a very sad time for Chinese people and the world," said Dr. Fengshi Yang, musical director and founder of East Meets West Musical Arts. "A lot of people lost their lives so we try to remember those victims through our music."
East Meets West Music Arts, a nonprofit performing group established in 1993, formed to bridge the East and West through cultural arts.
Each year for the past 15, the group has put together a memorial concert to honor the anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre, which took place June 4, 1989, in Beijing, China, and the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989.
In Beijing, hundreds of demonstrators had peacefully gathered for several weeks in Tiananmen Square, demanding democratic reform. Their calls for democracy were met by brutal force by the People's Republic of China when tanks rolled into the city and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds.
Months later, the Berlin Wall, which stood for more than 25 years as the dividing line between freedom and communism, fell. Many people were shot and killed trying to scale the wall to freedom on the other side.
Overcoming oppression and those deadly events eventually paved the way for freedom for many.
This year's performance holds special meaning because it's the 20th anniversary of both events.
"It makes this concert very special and meaningful," Yang said.
The concert, featuring more than 40 performers, will include several orchestral pieces, instrumental solos and vocal pieces, including compositions from Yang and Cheyo Wang such as "Freedom is Calling," "Ode to Freedom" and "Amazing Grace."
It begins with a candlelight ceremony, a slide show and music. A panel discussion will follow.
People may wonder why we should commemorate these events here in the United States, Yang said. Globalization is making it harder to ignore conflicts and oppression, no matter where it occurs. Additionally, the people of China are forbidden to mourn this day publicly, she said.
"The world is getting smaller. We are all connected to each other," Yang said. "We want to prevent this tragedy from happening ever again."
The concert takes place at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Wentz Hall on the North Central College campus in Naperville. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
For those who may like a ride to the concert from Chinatown and downtown Chicago, two mini vans will be provided. Call (773) 216-1460 for details.
If you go
What: Ode to Freedom memorial concert
When: 7:45 p.m. Sunday, May 31
Where: North Central College's Wentz Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Cost: Free admission, donations welcome
Info: (630) 677-3650 or emw@wideopenwest.com