Ancient instruments create new sound
Thu, March 20 2008
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The Orchid Ensemble |
The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China, world music, new music to jazz and creative improvisation.
The energetic yet endearing performance style of the ensemble consistently intrigues and delights its audiences and consistently receives standing ovations. The Orchid Ensemble is composed of Lan Tung, Gelina Jiang and Jonathan Bernard.
Lan crosses the lines between classical, contemporary, folk, blues and various ethnic styles, such as Indian, Celtic and Middle Eastern, to expand the horizons of the erhu.
Lan has performed with Huun Huur Tu (Tuva), Baka Beyond (U.K.), Khac Chi Ensemble (Vietnam) and Hossam Shaker (Egypt) and shared the stage with many Vancouver’s innovative improvisers, such as Ron Samworth and Coat Cooke. She is a member of Vancouver world music ensemble Tandava, and she has premiered numerous compositions by Canadian and U.S. composers.
Multi-instrumentalist Gelina performs on a wide range of Chinese traditional instruments, including zheng, ruan, yuetqin, pipa, jinhu and jin-erhu. For 20 years she performed with the famous Hubei Chime Ensemble, that plays on reproductions of ancient Chinese court instruments.
In 2000, Gelina was a visiting artist at the Smithsonian Institution, Sackler Gallery, representing the Hubei Provincial Museum. In 1992, Gelina formed her chamber ensemble, the Wuhan Women’s Plucked Instruments Ensemble.
Bernard combines his background in western percussion with a fascination for Asian traditions to create a unique sound palette incorporating a myriad of instruments, techniques and styles.
Bernard’s interests span numerous genres from orchestral music to New Music, and World Music.
Having premiered over fifty chamber works, Bernard regularly performs with the Orchid Ensemble, Vancouver New Music, Four Gallon Drum, Ensemble Symposium, and numerous orchestras including Vancouver, Victoria, National Ballet and CBC Radio orchestras. He is currently the principal percussionist with the Vancouver Island Symphony.
The Orchid Ensemble will be performing at the 2008 Family Festival, a proud presentation of the Centennial Theatre, featuring the exciting musical collaboration of a show entitled, “Music for a New World” which will be held April 20th at 2 pm.
Family Festival is a one of a kind partnership blending musical styles and influences from around the world.
This incredible collaboration brings together 17 of Vancouver’s best world music artists centred on a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.
Apart from the Orchid Ensemble, the concert will also include Amy Stephen & Amir Haghighi, Khac Chi, the Orchid Ensemble, Silk Road and Tzimmes.
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