Noteworthy
Naomi Woo Returns for Lunar New Year!
Year of the Snake: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Sat, Feb 8, 2025Naomi Woo is a rising star in the world of symphonic and operatic conducting, bringing intellect, artistry, and charisma to every podium she graces. Currently the Music Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Artistic Partner of Orchestre Métropolitain, and Assistant Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Naomi has swiftly become one of Canada’s most dynamic musical leaders.
Ahead of her return to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for our Lunar New Year concert, we caught up with Naomi to discuss her background, her inspirations, and the magic of celebrating culture through music.
Noteworthy: What does Lunar New Year mean to you? Can you share a special memory or tradition from your family’s Lunar New Year celebrations?
Naomi Woo: My dad was raised in Singapore and is Chinese, so he grew up celebrating the New Year with Chinese traditions. When I was a child, my four siblings and I would take part in New Year celebrations by eating a special meal, wearing new clothes, and receiving red packets from our elders.
NW: What are some meaningful ways that people of all backgrounds can celebrate Lunar New Year? Are there any specific traditions, foods, or activities you’d recommend for someone celebrating for the first time?
Naomi: If you’re curious to learn more about the Lunar New Year, of course I’d suggest you come out to the Toronto Symphony’s annual Lunar New Year concert!
NW: What excites you most about performing in the TSO’s Lunar New Year concert?
Naomi: I’m really looking forward to performing Shawn Moore’s new work Ode to the Red Cliffs with Dashan as the narrator. It is a moving poem that touches on the power of music and the vastness of existence beyond the scale of humanity. Dashan will undoubtedly give a powerful performance, and bringing a new piece to life—especially one that blends genres (in this case, Song Dynasty poetry with contemporary orchestral music)—is always a joy.
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See Naomi Woo live on stage at Year of the Snake: A Lunar New Year Celebration. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music, culture, and tradition. Learn more about the TSO’s Lunar New Year celebrations.