The Asian Classical Music Initiative (ACMI) and the University of Kansas Center for East Asian Studies are proud to present the world premiere of "Song of Spring Outing," a solo piano piece composed by Chen Yi, a distinguished Professor of Composition at UMKC Conservatory. The performance, to be held at the Lied Center of Kansas Pavilion on Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 PM, will be performed by Yi-Yang Chen, a Professor of Piano at the KU School of Music. 

"Song of Spring Outing" is a part of the collaborative research project "Prelude," funded by KU's Racial Equity Research Grant. This project is a partnership between the KU Center for East Asian Studies and the KU School of Music. The performance will be preceded by the winners' concert of the Orbifold Global Music Competition, starting at 5:30 PM. This concert also sponsor by KU Student DEIB found. 

Chen Yi is a highly acclaimed composer who skillfully blends Chinese and Western musical traditions, transcending cultural and stylistic boundaries. She is a recipient of the Grammy Awards, has been a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Ives Living Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Since 1998, she has held a Distinguished Professorship at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her music has been published by Theodore Presser Company, performed worldwide, and recorded on over 100 CDs. This performance provides a unique opportunity to witness the creative work of an internationally renowned composer, as well as experience the exceptional musical talent of Yi-Yang Chen, an award-winning pianist who has garnered recognition from various international competitions.