Dr. Bixiao Wang at Weill Recital Hall
On December 12, 2024, I got to spend an evening at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, listening to Dr. Bixiao Wang’s debut recital, Songs Across Time and Borders. It was one of those nights where the music just pulls you in and keeps you there.
The program started with Joaquín Rodrigo’s Cuatro madrigales amatorios, a set of four Spanish love songs. These were packed with so much emotion, and Dr. Wang brought out every bit of it. Her voice was bright and clear, but there was this tenderness to it that made the songs feel so personal.
Next up were pieces from Hugo Wolf’s Mörike-Lieder and “Morgentau.” These are songs where the text and music are so tightly connected, and Dr. Wang didn’t miss a single detail. You could see how much care she put into shaping every phrase, and it really came through in the way she performed them.
Then came the Mozart arias. She sang “Zeffiretti lusinghieri” from Idomeneo and “Una donna a quindici anni” from Così fan tutte. These are lighter, more playful pieces, and she made them feel effortless. Her voice had this natural elegance that fit Mozart’s style perfectly, but what really stood out was the way she connected with the audience—she made you feel like she was telling you a story.
One of the highlights for me was Margaret Bonds’ Four Songs. There’s so much heart in this music, and Dr. Wang brought it all to the surface. Her performance felt intimate, like she was sharing something deeply meaningful. It was one of those moments where the room just seemed to pause.
Dr. Libor Dudas was at the piano all evening, and his playing tied everything together. He was supportive and expressive, giving the music exactly what it needed without ever overshadowing the voice. They made a great team.
This recital had such a thoughtful balance of pieces, and it really showed off Dr. Wang’s range—not just her vocal abilities, but her ability to connect with so many different styles of music. It’s exciting to see an artist at this stage of their career, and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next.
