Orchid Ensemble Continues Cultural Series November 5
class=""MsoNormal"">SALISBURY, MD---Asian culture and Western traditions come together at Salisbury University 7 p.m. Saturday, November 5, with a performance by The Orchid Ensemble featuring the SU Chorale.
class=""MsoNormal"">The Orchid Ensemble has created a new musical genre based on the cultural exchange between Western and Asian musicians. Blending ancient musical instruments and traditions from China, the ensemble creates a sound that is original and unique.
class=""MsoNormal"">With acclamations from Georgia Straight as “one of the brightest blossoms on the world music scene,” the orchid ensemble has performed in concerts across North America and at prominent world, jazz and folk music festivals. It has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Canada Day celebrations and the National Gallery in Ottawa, Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre.
class=""MsoNormal"">The group’s leader, Lan Tung, has received awards from the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. She has received extensive training from Taiwan’s Chinese Cultural University. In addition, she continues to study classical voice at Capilano College and with Joseph Shore in Vancouver.
class=""MsoNormal"">Mei Han, zhengist and percussionist for The Orchid Ensemble, performs music deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. She has appeared with leading artists around the world and is also a soloist with the Zhanyou Ensemble. Han also has earned two master’s degrees in ethnomusicology while continuing to perform and lecture around the world.
class=""MsoNormal"">Jonathan Bernard is a percussionist and marimba player for the ensemble. He uses his background in western percussion and interest in Asian traditions to create a distinct sound with various instruments, techniques and styles. Bernard performs regularly with Vancouver New Music, Four Gallon Drum, Ensemble Symposium and numerous groups including Vancouver, Victoria, National Ballet and CBC Radio orchestras.
class=""MsoNormal"">Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs and Department of Music, the SU performance is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. "