August 12, 2011 / 7:30pm
Damrosch Park Bandshell / Lincoln Center Plaza NYC


Tan Dun: Martial Arts Trilogy

Lincoln Center Presents Tan Dun, Composer / Conductor
Love. Betrayal. Death. Revenge. Resurrection.

Tan Dun, Composer / Conductor
The Collegiate Chorale, Guest Vocal Ensemble
Ryu Goto, Violin
Sun Jiyi, Piano
Dane Johansen, Cello


On the Program

Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto*
The cello in Crouching Tiger Concerto plays the voice of Llo, who dreams of spiritual transcendence through martial arts. Her dramatic journey of power, sacrifice, and determination is heard throughout the concerto until her final farewell brings her back to water and stone.

Tan Dun: Hero Concerto*
The violin of Hero Concerto tells the ancient story of Lin, who sacrificed love to defend her country. She seeks, above all else, revenge and redemption for her people.

Tan Dun: The Banquet Concerto*
In The Banquet Concerto, the voice of Empress Ano is represented by the piano. Ano sacrifices love in pursuit of power, and the piano is heard along with the voices of her people.

*New York Premiere



About the Concert

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival presents The Martial Arts Trilogy: three concertos based on the films Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonThe Banquet; and Hero. Each film focus on themes of sacrifice, desire, transcendence, revenge, and power.

World-renowned composer/conductor Tan Dun conducts Metropolis Ensemble and The Collegiate Chorale in his scores for three critically-acclaimed martial arts films that combine the ancient tradition of Chinese martial arts philosophy with the visual arts. The evening will include stunning large-screen highlights from the films, live martial arts demonstrations, and special guest appearances.

Presented in association with the Re Foundation and the Chinese American Arts Council. This event is a production of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Parnassus Productions, Metropolis Ensemble, and Collegiate Chorale.

Photos by Kevin Yatarola.


Martial Arts Trilogy