Renowned Chinese-American composer Tan Dun premiered his choral concerto ‘Nine, Wine, and Time’ at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York on October 29. The performance marked the 20th anniversary of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where Tan serves as dean, and celebrated President Leon Botstein’s 50th year leading Bard College. Originally conceived to honor Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary, the pandemic delayed its 2020 debut, allowing Tan to expand the work into a three-part masterpiece. The concerto intertwines elements of Chinese philosophy, Taoist and Buddhist chants, and ancient poetry by Qu Yuan and Li Bai, creating a profound cultural dialogue. Tan explained that the title’s ‘nine’ (jiu) in Chinese symbolizes not only the number but also ‘wine’ and the concept of eternity. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, blending nature-inspired themes with innovative vocal and instrumental techniques. Attendees praised the work’s beauty and power, with one describing it as ‘stunning’ and ‘overwhelming.’ Tan, a Grammy and Academy Award winner, continues to bridge Eastern and Western traditions through his music, fostering global unity and cultural exchange.