Missouri Classical Music News and Notes

Chen Yi, a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, was influenced by Chinese traditional music, as well as by composers ranging from Bach and Brahms to Bartok, Stravinsky and Lutoslawski. Her tangy, East-West fusions will be illustrated by "Chinese Ancient Dances" (on tonight's program) and "Night Thoughts" (commissioned for SummerFest with support from the New York-based Meet the Composer project and scheduled for performances tomorrow and Sunday).

"If composers would share more of their thoughts and feelings with audiences, it would be helpful," says Chen Yi, slated for "Pre-Concert Talks" today and tomorrow at Sherwood. "I have to express myself through my music. This is the way for me to have my voice heard.

"My music is like a bridge to connect people from different cultures, a way to improve understanding."