We spoke with concertmaster PoHsuan Barbara Chiang (MM ’25, PPD ’27) about UP in Concert, why she loves playing this music, the challenges it presents, and why she recommends coming to performance!
ABOUT BARBARA
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Barbara is currently a first-year Professional Performance Diploma student at Manhattan School of Music studying under Lucie Robert. She graduated last spring with her Master of Music degree from MSM and previously earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), where she studied with Paul Huang.
Don’t miss Disney’s UP in Concert conducted by James Dodgson. Join us to celebrate the music and songs from this beloved, award-winning film.
James Dodgson, Conductor
Tickets Required Zone 1 – $25 Zone 2 – $20
Neidorff-Karpati Hall Manhattan School of Music 130 Claremont Avenue New York, New York 10027
Barbara: Every movie has a theme and this one explores dreams and promises. It shows how life can get in the way, how we often give up on our dreams because of reality, and the regret that can come when we look back.
From the very beginning, the story and music in UP draw you in emotionally, making you really feel that mix of hope, longing, and the weight of time. This concert lets you experience all of that again — the warmth, the inspiration, and the way the story touches your heart. By the end, it leaves you thinking about your own dreams and what it really means to hold on to them.
Barbara: This concert isn’t just a gift for children, it’s a timeless story that has moved countless adults too. What touches us most isn’t only the warmth and humor in the adventure, but also Carl’s courage to chase his dreams even in his later years. I think it’s the perfect time to revisit UP — through Carl and Russell’s journey, we’re reminded of the power of love, dreams, and staying true to our hearts. Believe me, watching it again at a different stage of your life will hit you in a completely new way. Come and relive the magic with us!
PoHsuan Barbara Chiang in Greenfield Hall
Barbara: There are two big challenges. The first is the emotional honesty of the music. We have to play it just right, not too much, not too little, to keep it heartfelt without being overly dramatic. I like to imagine every note as Carl is looking back at Ellie, full of love, some regret, and the courage to move forward.
But, I think the biggest challenge in this concert is that we have to use a lot of equipment. Everyone has an in-ear monitor with a click track, which actually makes it really hard to hear yourself or the people around you. So while trying to stay technically solid, we also have to keep the groove and musicality within a fixed tempo. Honestly without Maestro Dodgson, it could’ve been a disaster! And he has to handle even more gear on top of everything. People might think film music concerts are easier compared to classical ones, but they actually require a different kind of focus. Most of us are playing this type of concert for the first time, and everyone’s doing such a great job. I think the final result is going to be really fun and exciting.
Barbara: I love the “Married Life” montage. In just a few minutes, it compresses a whole lifetime into music. Even though Ellie isn’t around for most of the movie, the love and longing are there: he chases the dream for “them,” and once it’s complete, the memories stay in his heart. That gentle, emotional release is the part that really gets me.
People might think film music concerts are easier compared to classical ones, but they actually require a different kind of focus. Most of us are playing this type of concert for the first time, and everyone’s doing such a great job. I think the final result is going to be really fun and exciting. PoHsuan Barbara Chiang (MM ’25, PPD '27)
People might think film music concerts are easier compared to classical ones, but they actually require a different kind of focus. Most of us are playing this type of concert for the first time, and everyone’s doing such a great job. I think the final result is going to be really fun and exciting.
PoHsuan Barbara Chiang (MM ’25, PPD '27)
Barbara: This semester’s already halfway through, but there’s still so much going on! Every department has something really exciting lined up — we just wrapped up OPUS130, and there are upcoming performances by the MSM Jazz Orchestra, Contemporary Performance Ensemble (Tactus), the MSM Symphony Orchestra series, Composers’ Concert, Opera, and Musical Theatre. Fortunately I will be playing in the pit for one of the musicals!! It’s a lot of work, but I’m super excited about it!
(Barbara, left, during the eight-show run of Into the Woods during which she served as concertmaster of the pit orchestra, Spring 2025.)
Barbara: I really love Ratatouille.
It’s not just cute or fun, it’s super inspiring! The whole “Anyone Can Cook” idea really sticks: no matter where you come from, if you have passion and effort, you can create something amazing. I love it because it’s warm, uplifting, and reminds you that anyone can chase their dreams and make a difference.
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Barbara is currently a first-year Professional Performance Diploma student at Manhattan School of Music studying under Lucie Robert. She recently graduated with her Master of Music degree from MSM and previously earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), where she studied with Paul Huang.
Barbara was first introduced to piano at the age of five and picked up the violin two years later. Deeply passionate about all forms of art, she participated in theatre groups, commercials, and TV series during her early childhood before deciding to focus on classical music in junior high school. Her artistic curiosity has since expanded toward exploring various forms of music and interdisciplinary collaborations.
In addition to her solo training, Barbara finds great joy in chamber music and orchestral playing, where collective expression and musical dialogue create something greater than the sum of its parts. At the age of 14, she became the youngest concertmaster to perform at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall with the Taipei Youth Ensemble. During her undergraduate studies, she was a prizewinner in TNUA’s Chamber Music Competition and a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Scholarship.
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