This spring we are very pleased to be part of the Sound of Dragon Music Festival for the second time, performing an all-Canadian programme that showcases Chinese and Vietnamese instruments in the context of the intercultural orchestra. Under the baton of guest conductor Dr. Chih-Sheng Chen, virtuoso soloists Bic Hoang (danbau), Ling Hsuan Shen (sheng), Ying Chun Chen (pipa), Jun Rong (erhu) and Geling Jiang (sanxian) will join the VICO to present FOUR world premieres:
- Nocturne for Dan bau & Strings by Mark Armanini, feat. Bic Hoang
- Gossamer Thread by Owen Underhill, feat. Ling Hsuan Shen (sheng)
- beyond the white clouds by Farshid Samandari, feat. Ying Chun Chen (pipa)
- The Tune That Brings A Smile by Christopher Reiche
Also on the bill: Suite Vancouver by Janet Danielson, featuring Jun Rong (erhu) and Jubilant Red by Jeffrey Ryan, featuring Geling Jiang (sanxian).
WATCH A LIVE STREAM OF THE CONCERT HERE
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Sound of Dragon’s mandate is complementary in many ways to the VICO’s: “Sound of Dragon Music Festival is Vancouver’s first festival devoted to ‘Chinese music’, showcasing very diverse musical styles: ancient folk and classical repertoire, contemporary compositions, jazz, world, fusion, and avant-garde improvisation in solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. (…) By presenting musicians, ensembles and composers from different ethnicities, nationalities, and musical genres, Sound of Dragon re-defines “Chinese music” and reflects Vancouver’s growing multicultural environment, representing a highly creative music scene.” We are honoured to open the 2016 edition of the Festival with this concert, and look forward to working with everyone involved.
Through Smooth as Silk and Sound of Dragon, we are also pleased to be part of explorAsian/Vancouver Asian Heritage Month this year! There are hundreds of events happening throughout the city in connection with this multi-faceted celebration of Asian cultures; check out the full programme here.
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