Nian Hua (Chinese New Year’s Paintings) was commissioned by the Beijing Guitar Duo (Meng Su & Yameng Wang). This commission was made possible by the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program with generous funding provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Chamber Music America Endowment Fund. Nian Hua (Chinese New Year’s Paintings) for 2 guitars is inspired by the colorful folk paintings presented in Yangliuqing Town in Tianjin, China. The work is 13 minutes in duration, and composed in three movements: 1. Spring Ox and Cowherd 2. Five Boys Snatch Lotus Seed Pods 3. Prosperity in the New Year