Mah Jong

American composer George H. Russell has taken an ancient Chinese legend, the historic and wildly popular game of Mah Jong the undying spirit and power of love, and has combined all of this with today’s world.  In doing so he has created an unforgettable story in music and dance.

The music of “Mah Jong” accompanies the story of ‘Cool’, from reality to her dream world.  Here the ballet comes alive with characters emerging from childhood memories, swirling together in a montage of fantasy, drama, laughter and sorrow.  That is until the ultimate surprise, where ‘Cool’ becomes the heroine in the revelation of the classic truth of the victory and power of love.

The listener is introduced to characters both ancient and whimsical, and some purely evolved from the imagination.  In one scene, three ‘Dragons’, ‘Chung’, ‘Fat’ and ‘Po’, come bursting forth, soon to be joined by ‘Cool’, and in the next moment they are all dancing the tango ‘a la Salome’.  While the enclosed libretto tells the magical tale of ‘Mah Jong’, the music of John Keating and the Royal Philharmonic Ensemble of London depicts the fantasy through wildly picturesque dances and melancholy moments.

Performing on the ancient Chinese musical instrument the ErHu, internationally renowned artist Karen Han makes the special moments in ‘Mah Jong’ simply unforgettable.

Legendary arranger and producer Jimmie Haskell takes the elements of “Mah Jong’ to an even higher level with his gift of molding and structuring, a musical jewel for all times!

MAH JONG

The Royale Philharmonic Ensemble of London
Conducted by John Keating

Guest Soloist Karen Han

Composer George H. Russell
Based on an ancient Chinese game and folk tale

Tracks:
1. Introduction
2. Mr. Fussy
3. Lovebirds
4. Cool
5. Let the Games Begin
6. Dream Sequence
7. Numbers
8. Flowers
9. Tango for Three Dragons
10.Circles
11.Bamboo
12.Winds
13. Cast of Characters
14.Pumpkin Girl and the Flower Wall
15. The Final Round