The HSBC East Meets West Concert at the Jersey Opera House on Tuesday drew hundreds of islanders to both its afternoon and evening performances, with audiences leaving full of praise for what many described as a highlight of the Jersey Lunar New Year Festival 2026.
The concerts – a matinée at 3:30 pm followed by a full evening show – offered a rich musical journey celebrating the fusion of Eastern and Western traditions. Audiences were treated to a programme combining orchestral music with traditional Chinese instruments, showcasing collaboration between local musicians, Jersey talent, and visiting artists from China and the UK.
The evening was hosted by Whitney Fan, Chinese teacher at Hautlieu School, and local islander Sam Batho. Performing artists Oliver Hutton, Eva Hsieh-Abraham, Dr Ruzhen Li, Anna Rieksta and Zak Langlois brought a distinctly Jersey voice to the programme.
Deputy Bailiff Mark Temple KC and Mrs Temple were among the distinguished guests at the evening performance.
Speaking after the evening show, Victoria Li, festival director, said: “The energy in the house – from afternoon to evening- truly reflects Jersey’s passion for cultural celebration and connection. This event has set a wonderful tone for the rest of the Lunar New Year Festival 2026 activities.”
The concert opened the festival with music capturing the spirit of the Year of the Horse- a symbol of energy, momentum and progress.
The event was supported by HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, underscoring the bank’s long-standing commitment to community engagement and to building bridges between cultures through the arts. The festival has also received partial funding from the Government of Jersey through the Creative Island Partnership.
The festival continues in the coming days with a programme of ticketed events including dumpling workshops, a chocolate masterclass, and arts and crafts workshops, offering islanders of all ages further opportunities to engage with Lunar New Year culture.