Classical pianist Donna Weng Friedman always treats audiences to the beautiful Waltz in C# minor by Frederic Chopin. Not only because it is lyrical and uplifting - and the perfect encore piece, she offers it as an homage to her late father.
[Ads /]
"He came to this country, he had no money, no friends - he barely spoke the language," said Weng.
Sin-tzu Weng was born into poverty in China.
"He was a blue baby - umbilical cord tied around his neck. S they threw him in the garbage," she said.
Except he started crying in the trash later that night and proved himself quite a survivor.
In his early twenties, Weng immigrated to New York where he worked punishing hours for pennies. His spirits started sinking when he splurged on a radio.
[Ads /]
"That changed his life - what the music did for him was give him hope," Weng said.
In addition to concert pianist, Weng can now add filmmaker to her resume. 'Never Fade Away' is about her father's American dream as it pivots around one in a spring waltz.
Clips have already been played on the big screen in Times Square.
"I feel like the story shines a light on the creativity, resilience, the grit of all those who came before us," Weng said.
'Never Fade Away' makes its premiere at NYU Tisch School of the Arts on May 31 and will continue running until June 2.
For more information about the premiere, visit the Ariel Rivka Dance website.
ALSO READ | NYPD pulls off daring rescue after scare on Staten Island Ferry
NYPD pulls off a rescue first after man attempted to jump off Staten Island Ferry
[Ads /]
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.