On December 1st, the Arcadia Community Church hosted a heartwarming Christmas Charity Student Recital, an event filled with festive cheer and community spirit. Organized by the dedicated Dr. Yaqi Wang and Mi Zhou, the recital was not only a celebration of musical talent but also a meaningful charity fundraiser benefiting local causes during the holiday season.
Dr. Yaqi Wang, a prominent figure in the classical music world, is the founder of Concert Star and Vice President of the International Classical Music Alliance. Holding a doctorate in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Kansas, Dr. Wang has long been recognized for her commitment to music education and her ability to nurture young talent. This recital was a testament to her passion for both music and community.
Mi Zhou, another distinguished educator, brings over a decade of teaching experience and is known for his engaging and humorous approach to complex musical concepts. His technical expertise and dedication to excellence have significantly impacted his students and audiences alike.
A Festive Atmosphere for Charity
The church’s beautiful Christmas decorations set a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the event. Twinkling lights and holiday décor created the perfect backdrop for an evening of music and goodwill. With all proceeds directed toward local charity efforts, the evening took on a special significance, as attendees enjoyed the performances and contributed to the spirit of giving.
A Stellar Line-Up of Performances
The recital featured an impressive array of performances by Dr. Wang’s students, each showcasing a range of musical styles and emotional depth. The students displayed exceptional skill and passion from classical to contemporary works, leaving the audience captivated. The evening also included memorable duets, such as a playful rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” by sisters Bella and Olivia He, which delighted the audience. Grace Hao performed “Ah vous dirai-je Maman Theme and Variations” by W.A. Mozart. The challenging variations demonstrated the performers’ technical skill and musicality, offering a fitting end to a program that beautifully spanned classical and contemporary styles.
Photo Courtesy: Eric He
Yaqi Wang
A Special Guest: Mi Zhou’s Studio
Adding further depth to the program, Mi Zhou, a distinguished educator, and pianist, introduced students from his studio. Their performances included works such as “Sonatina in Classic Style” by William Gillock and “Melancholy Reflections” by Mike Schoenmehl. Each piece highlighted the students’ technical precision and expressive musicality, with “Sonatina Op. 36 No. 6” as a particular highlight for its display of technical skill and emotion.
Photo Courtesy: Eric He
Mi Zhou
A Grand Finale
Dr. Wang opened with Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2, delivering an expressive interpretation of the piece’s lyrical beauty. She followed with Manuel Ponce’ Intermezzo No. 1 in E minor, conveying the emotional depth and complexity of the work through careful phrasing and dynamic contrasts.
Mi Zhou then took the stage with Nathaniel Dett’s Morning from In the Bottoms, performing it with sensitivity to its rich, soulful textures. The mood shifted to a more festive tone with Zhou’s Remember Me from Coco, capturing its tender emotional resonance.
The holiday spirit was further embraced with Mi&Yaqi Piano Duet‘s lively rendition of Jingle Bells, followed by a playful version of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The recital concluded with a heartwarming duet, bringing the evening to a joyful close.
A Fitting End to the Evening
The Christmas Charity Student Recital was more than just a musical performance—it was a celebration of community, generosity, and the transformative power of music. Dr. Wang’s and Mi Zhou’s unwavering commitment to their students shone through in every piece, reminding everyone of how music can unite people and support meaningful causes. As the final notes resonated through the church, the enthusiastic applause from the audience was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the performers’ dedication and the guidance of their teachers.
Photo Courtesy: Eric He
This special evening, filled with beautiful music and a spirit of giving, brought performers and audience alike together in a shared celebration of the holiday season. It served as a powerful reminder of how music can foster connection, spread joy, and leave a lasting impact on the community.
Published by Zane L.
