The Walter Blanding Quintet performs a series of jazz concerts over three nights, presenting a blend of international and contemporary jazz styles. Walter Blanding leads the quintet on saxophone, supported by piano, bass, and drums, showcasing decades of global performance experience.

About the Show

Moonlight Melodies features Walter Blanding, an internationally acclaimed saxophonist with over 34 years of experience. Blanding first gained attention with the 1991 album Tough Young Tenors and has since performed worldwide, collaborating with legends including Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and Joshua Bell.

Blanding is a long-standing member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, has performed for U.S. presidential inaugurations, recorded over 40 albums, and continues to influence the next generation as a jazz professor at Michigan State University.

The quintet’s program blends global jazz, contemporary influences, and improvisation. Supporting musicians include accomplished artists Zhu Mang on piano, Joseph Han and Danny Zanker on bass (Danny Zanker performs May 21), and Dmitry Strelianny on drums.

Performers

Walter Blanding – Saxophone

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist with 34+ years of performance experience, member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for 25 years, collaborator with numerous jazz and pop legends, and educator at Michigan State University.

Zhu Mang – Piano

Jazz pianist and keyboardist, educated at Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Prince Claus Conservatoire (Netherlands), has collaborated with international artists including Nils Landgren and Alex Han, and studied under contemporary jazz masters in New York.

Joseph Han – Bass

Graduated from Hamburger University, Toronto (2012) and Queen’s University, New York (2015), has performed across North America and Asia, based in Shanghai since 2016.

Danny Zanker – Bass (May 21 only)

Professional bassist from Texas, active in New York avant-garde and jazz scenes, founder of his own band "Anti-Elevator Mission".

Dmitry Strelianny – Drums

Russian-born drummer with a versatile approach, drawing inspiration from global music styles, trained at Moscow and Amsterdam conservatories, known for combining rhythm, technique, and musical elegance.

Tickets

May 20, 19:30

• Single Side Seat: 158 RMB
• Couple Ticket Premium Package (includes selected meal): 899 RMB

May 21-22, 19:30

• Single Side Seat: 158 RMB
• Couple Ticket Inner Seat (includes dinner): 599 RMB
• Couple Ticket Premium Package (includes selected meal): 699 RMB

Why Go

Fans of jazz and improvisational music will appreciate a rare chance to see a globally experienced ensemble led by Walter Blanding, whose international collaborations span over three decades. The quintet’s performances are designed to balance technical mastery with expressive improvisation, making it suitable for seasoned jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.