Recital: Maggie Ruochen Zang '24, Contemporary Musical Arts
NEC's students meet one-on-one each week with a faculty artist to perfect their craft. As each one leaves NEC to make their mark in the performance world, they present a full, professional recital that is free and open to the public. It's your first look at the artists of tomorrow.
Maggie Ruochen Zang '24 studies Contemporary Musical Arts with Hankus Netsky.
This is an in-person event with a private stream available to the NEC community here: https://necmusic.edu/live
- Maggie Ruochen Zang '24, voice
- Hankus Netsky, studio teacher
Maggie Ruochen Zang | Once upon a time
Tianyi Feng, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
This piece unfolds from a collection of my own dreams, with the fairytale like melody, there is a subtle hint of whimsy and strangeness. As it is the opening piece of this concert, it is themed around the ethereal realms of dreams and Utopia, it serves as a captivating invitation for the audience to step into my dreamland. Through my music, you are invited on a journey to wonderland where reality blurs, and imagination takes flight.
Maggie Ruochen Zang | Snowflake
Tianyi Feng, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Kerry Chen, Yifan Yue, Yuwei Luo, background vocals
Program note
Through this piece, I was trying to build a picture of winter carnival where people are partying joyously; seek to forget their sorrows and pains. But everything was simply a lie, the joy is unreal. If one day, you see me shedding tears, don't believe it, it might just be a snowflake. If one day, you see a snowflake, don't trust it, it could be an endless maze. I am welcoming everyone to explore the depths of our subconscious and reality alongside me.
Cyrille Aimée | Each day
Evan Haskin and Zhiyu Cai, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
This piece by Cyrille Aimée is such a groovy and cheerful tune and through its rhythm and melody she was trying to simply expresses the gratitude towards the wonderfulness in life. And really be aware and appreciate towards finding all the small things in life that shape us as human beings.
Maggie Ruochen Zang | Asteroid
Peter Vazquez, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
This piece is simple but joyful, describing all the different kind of wonderful encounters with loved ones in the ordinary days. In our life relationships come in a variety of forms, so does love: it could be friends, family, or your beloved other. And when love happens, a single glance could resonate so deeply that brings you the balance energy to draw each other closer. In each of these beautiful moments, when coincidences happen, it is as sync as the harmony of music, and as peaceful as the harmony between Venus and Mars.
Billy Strayhorn | Lush Life
Peter Vazquez, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
This piece is a jazz standard written by Billy Strayhorn in 1933. The song has since become a staple in the jazz repertoire. He explored the complexities of love, longing, and the human experience by painting a vivid portrait of a life filled with desire, dreams, and disillusionment.
Stevie Wonder | Overjoyed
Peter Vazquez, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
This composition by the legendary Stevie Wonder has a heartfelt lyrics and melodic beauty that express the joy and fulfillment that comes with finding true love. With each note, Overjoyed celebrates the transformative power of love, inviting listeners to embrace the beauty of human connection and the happiness it brings.
Raye | Worth It
Tianyi Feng, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Kerry Chen, Yifan Yue, Yuwei Luo, background vocals
Program note
This piece has a powerful statement that brings confidence and self-assurance. Just like the name of the song, through the groovy beats of this song, it encourages listeners to recognize their own value and embrace their individuality. It serves as a reminder to prioritize self-love and confidence, inspiring listeners to pursue their dreams and desires.
Sara Bareilles | She used to be mine
Tianyi Feng, piano
Evan Haskin, guitar
Jack Davies, bass
John Jiang, drums
Program note
In this piece by Sara Bareilles, she was inviting the listeners to explore a very sincere and honest journey that expresses the empathy towards the old self. With the beautiful melody, she unfolds the twist of past regrets and present struggles. Just close your eyes and listen carefully - feel the music and the lyrics sincerely.