Chinese musical instrument ensemble

Gang-a-tsui

2008-09-25T20:30:00.001-07:00

Gang-a-tsui is a ''nanguan'' music ensemble from Taiwan. It was formed in 1993 by Chou Yih-chang, and in 1997 it received a commission by the National Center for Traditional Arts in Taiwan as part of the Nanguan Opera Transmission Project. The ensemble has toured Japan, Korea, Indonesia, France, Poland and Mexico, and toured the US in 2003. They also toured the US in 2007.

Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble

2008-09-25T20:29:00.004-07:00

The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble is an ensemble of traditional Chinese musical instruments based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1989.

The ensemble's instruments include ''erhu'', ''dizi'', ''pipa'', ''yangqin'', ''guzheng'', and ''ruan''.

Discography

*2000 - ''Transplanted Purple Bamboo''

Twelve Girls Band

2008-09-25T20:29:00.003-07:00

Twelve Girls Band is a music women artists group who started with twelve members but later become thirteen, that use traditional s to play both traditional Chinese and songs. Formed on June 18, 2001, the women were selected by audition from more than 4,000 contestants. Each woman is classically-trained, and the band members come from various conservatories in the People's Republic of China , including the China Academy of Music, the Chinese National Orchestra, and the Central Conservatory of Music.

History

Chinese numerology gave Wang Xiao-Jing the idea for the ''Twelve Girls Band''. When the "father of Chinese rock music" decided he wanted to create a woman ensemble, he knew it needed 12 members. Per Chinese mythology it is the twelve jinchai representing womanhood. The twelve women that Xiao-Jing assembled were experienced musicians from the People's Republic of China's orchestras, played ancient Chinese instruments, and all were in their twenties. For the new project, the women were inspired by the art of the Yue Fang, the ensembles who played in the Tang Dynasty courts during the years A.D. 618 to 907.

The group debuted their modern compositions on ancient instruments in China and Japan during the Northern summer of 2003. Word of mouth spread, show after show were sold-out, and in Japan their debut album topped the charts for 30 weeks. Their self-titled debut was released in North America in August 2004 with cover versions of Coldplay's "Clocks" and Enya's "Only Time" included, and a massive television advertising campaign announcing the group's arrival.

Among the instruments used by the women: erhu , pipa , guzheng , yangqin , dizi , and . Occasionally, the duxianqin and hulusi are employed.

Performances

In July 2003, ''Beautiful Energy,'' the Twelve Girls Band's first album in Japan, reached the top of the J-pop chart. They won Japan Gold Disc Award in 2004.

Twelve Girls Band toured in the United States in 2004 ''Miracles'' tour and again in 2005.

July 7, 2007 Twelve Girls Band performed at the of Live Earth in Shanghai.

Soprano, Giorgia Fumanti, will be performing with the group in October and November 2007, on their North American tour. The tour will travel to the Midwest USA , and the East and West Coast areas of the USA and Canada.

Members

*Playing the guzheng, .
*Playing the yangqin, Ma Jingjing and Yang Songmei .
*Playing the pipa, Zhang Kun , Zhong Bao , and Shi Juan .
*Playing the erhu, Lei Ying , , Yin Yan , Sun Ting , and Zhan Lijun .
*Playing , Liao Bingqu and Sun Yuan .
*Zhan Lijun joined the group in 2003, bringing the total number of women to thirteen, but the original name was retained.

Former members: Huo Xiaojun , Yue Guangqin , Du Wenting , Zhang Shuang .

Discography

* ''Meili Yinyuehui 魅力音乐会'' - Original Debut CD
* ''Joshi Juni Gakubou - Beautiful Energy'' - first Japanese album
* ''Kiseki/Miracle Live''
* ''Kikou - Shining Energy -'' - second Japanese album
* ''Eastern Energy'' - first USA album
* ''Twelve Girls Band Live at Budokan Japan 2004
* ''Red Hot Classics''
* ''Tribute to Wang Luobin''
* '' ''
* ''Journey to Silk Road''
* ''''
* '''' - Christmas album published in Japan
* ''''
* ''Romantic Energy'' - published in the US
* ''Twelve Girls of Christmas'' - Christmas album published in the US
* ''The Best of 12 Girls Band'' - Korean version available
* ''''

Most of these CDs were released in different versions for the USA, the PRC, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. Please see the individual album page for information on how the tracklist differs.

Video

*
*
*
*

The Hsu-nami

2008-09-25T20:29:00.001-07:00

'''
The Hsu-nami is an Progressive rock instrumental band from the United States. The Hsu-nami defines East meets West and has become the first Er-hu Rock Group in America. Their music features a rare contribution fusion of different genres, incorporating the use of an ''erhu'', a two-string bowed instrument that is often used in Chinese classical music and folk ensembles.

The Hsu-nami plays a variety of rock sub-styles including metal, psychedelic, prog rock, and funk. An amplified ''erhu'' takes the place of lead vocals.

History

The group was formed in 2005 in Mahwah, New Jersey by Jack Hsu, Brent Bergholm, Vinny Belcastro, Derril Sellers, and John Manna. The members met in the musical circle of Ramapo College, with Adam Toth joining the band shortly after. Their music consists of East-meets-West with influences of Chinese traditional music and the Western modern influence of hard rock.

On January 7, 2008, Vinny Belcastro resigned as a member of Hsu-nami - he has since formed a new band "Trust".

On May 28, 2008, the band announced their new member Tony Aichele .

The group has performed with major acts such as Yellowcard, ChthoniC, Nightmare of You, The Parlor Mob, World Leader Pretend, and Jet Lag Gemini.

They have performed for numerous festivals/conventions, including the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans Festival, and the Passport 2 Taiwan Festival. both held at Union Square NYC. The Hsu-nami has played conventions in Pittsburg , Columbus, Ohio , and the Philadelphia area .

The group has headlined many clubs/venues such as the Stone Pony, NJ, the Mexicali Blues Cafe, New Jersey, Highline Ballroom New York, Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Long Island New York, the Trocadero Theatre, Pennsylvania and the closing nights at CBGB in New York City.

Also performed for organization such as Ronald McDonald House, Asian Film Festival

25 May 2008 -- The band announced their music is to be featured in the 2008 Summer Olympic in Beijing. Their music will be played at the basketball arena during walk-in, timeouts, halftime, and incorporated into a dunker or martial arts routine for one of the entertainment groups.

''Entering the Mandala''

The band Released their first album "Entering the Mandala", named after the closing track fo the CD. The song was inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist belief of reaching the highest level of enlightenment.
The first track of the CD, Titled "Rising of the Sun" is representing the Beijing Olympics 2008 Chinese Basketball Team.

Jim Beckerman from The Bergen Record has written a feature 08/10/08 in regard to the Hsu-nami music feature in the Beijing Summer Olympics. The story got picked up by associate press, Hsu-nami instantly received national coverage from media outlets such as, WCBS 880, 1010 wins, Fort Mill Times, NJ.com, Philly.com, redorbit.com, spokesmanreview.com, NBC sports, USA Today, International Herald Tribune .

Since Hsu-nami's Music represented the Chinese basketball team and Front man Jack Hsu is Taiwanese-American, the Taiwan Organization in New York did not warmly congratulate the band for its success. This is because the global political issue of conflict between Taiwan and China regards to violating IOC rules and calling Taiwan "Taipei, China". They believe China oppresses the Taiwanese people, Tibet and many others.

The band emphasizes a positive relationship and goodwill between America and Taiwan and strives to phase away the issues involving China and Taiwan.

Members

Current

*Jack Hsu erhu, violin
*Brent Bergholm lead guitar
*Tony Aichele rhythm guitar
*Derril Sellers bass
*John Manna drum set

Former

*Vinny Belcastro
*Adam Toth

Discography

Singles and compilations

*In 2006, the band released the single "Rogue Wave," on the Po Records ComPOlation Volume III a Ramapo College Based Record Label.
*In 2007 the band released single, "Mimosa," on the Po Records ComPOlation Volume IV.
*In 2008 the band released single, "Entering The Mandala" on the Po Records ComPOlation Volume V.

Albums

*On November 30, 2007 the band released their debut album, ''Entering the Mandala''.

Press

*The ''Bergen Record'', the second largest circulation of New Jersey's daily newspapers
*''Chinese World Journal Newspaper''
*''Chorus & Verse Magazine''
*''The Aquarian Weekly''
*''WCBS 880''
*''New York Times''
*''Herald Tribune''
*''Fort Mill Times''
*''1010_WINS''
*''NY1''
*''News 12 New Jersey''
*''USA Today''
*''Associate Press''

Singapore Chinese Orchestra

2008-09-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra is Singapore’s only professional Chinese orchestra.

As the flagship of local performing arts groups, the SCO has the patronage of Lee Hsien Loong. It is located at the Singapore Conference Hall since 2001 after the revamp of the building. Under the baton of music director Tsung Yeh, the 70-strong orchestra aspires to introduce Chinese orchestral music to an ever-broadening audience.

With its aim in becoming a people’s orchestra, SCO has reached out through its Community Series concerts at the heartlands, Arts Education Programmes at schools and Outdoor Concerts at National Parks. In 2004, it launched its Caring and MusiCARE Series to bring Chinese orchestral music to the less privileged.

To develop Singaporean talents, the Orchestra began its Arranger-In-Residence and Conducting Assistant programmes in 2003. The former is to recognise the efforts of its local musicians who have actively been rearranging a number of works for the Orchestra, while the latter is a conducting mentorship for prospective local musicians. It has also set up a youth wing orchestra, the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra in 2003 to nurture young music talents into professional musicians.

History

Formerly a performing unit of the People's Association Cultural Troupe, the Orchestra was inaugurated in 1996 at the initiative of the then- Goh Chok Tong. This inception has been instrumental to the Orchestra’s elevation in its artistic pursuits, warranting it a national orchestra.

Performances

Aside from its regular concerts, the orchestra performed a symphonic fantasy epic, Marco Polo and Princess Blue, as part of the Opening Festival of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay in November 2002. This work featured not only the orchestra but also a chorus performing in and . A year later, the orchestra staged a musical and visual conversation with Singapore’s most celebrated multi-disciplinary artist, Mr Tan Swie Hian, at the 2003 Singapore Arts Festival. It was also invited for performances at the World Economic Forum in October and the International Summit of Arts Council in November 2003. In 2004, SCO celebrated the 39th National Day of Singapore by staging a concert featuring over 2300 performers titled "SCO National Day Concert – Our People, Our Music" at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Recently, SCO produced a mega musical production Admiral Zheng He as part of the 2005 Singapore Arts Festival 2005. SCO also embarked on its very first Europe Concert Tour to Budapest, London and the same year.

Patron & Board Of Directors

Patron: Mr Lee Hsien Loong,

List of musicians

Music Director

Maestro Tsung Yeh joined SCO as Music Director in January 2002. Under Yeh's vision, SCO's repertoire has undergone rapid expansion. He is credited with initiating and designing successful productions such as Marco Polo and Princess Blue, Instant is a Millennium and The Grandeur of Tang.

Yeh's persistence and hard work on the orchestra's performance quality has produced audible results in rhythm, tone quality, dynamic range and musicality. SCO successfully toured under Yeh's baton to Europe in March & April 2005 for concerts at Barbican Center in London, The Sage Gateshead in New Castle and the Budapest Spring Festival.

Tsung Yeh is also the Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra in the United States and the Conductor Laureate in the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. He is the first conductor to be appointed as the Music Director of both the Chinese orchestra and the Symphony orchestra simultaneously.

Assistant Conductor

Quek Ling Kiong, a young and renowned homegrown percussionist and orchestra conductor, joined SCO in 1997. He is currently the Assistant Conductor of SCO and Conductor for the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra. In 2002, Quek received the Young Artist Award presented by the .

During his appointment as the Assistant Conductor for SCO, he conducted School Concerts Series for all levels of audience ranging from Primary to Universities. His specialty of hosting and conducting educational programmes include the Young Children’s Concerts, Young People’s Concerts and Outdoor and Community Series Concerts, are highly acclaimed by audiences. Quek has his debut with SCO at the Esplanade Concert Hall in 2005 WASBE Opening Concert where he received a standing ovation from international audiences.

Quek Ling Kiong is now on study leave to pursue a postgraduate in conducting.

Acting Assistant Conductor

The Current Acting Assistant Conductor of SCO is Yao Shen Shen. Born in 1982, Yao started learning the Erhu from the age of 4 years old from Professor Wang Yong De. He started learning the piano from 5 years old from Professor Wu Le Yi. Yao entered the Affiliated Primary School of Shanghai Conservatory to learn the erhu in 1992 and subsequently entered the Affiliated Middle School of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1995. He won the first place in the Erhu audition to Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2001 where he majored in both Erhu and conducting. He conducted the Affiliated Middle School of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s Chinese orchestra and a Japanese choir in a concert on 2005. Upon graduating, he gained admittance into the Shanghai National Music Orchestra in 2006 and is currently the Erhu musician and Assistant Conductor. In October 2006, Yao conducted the Shanghai Changning District Experimental Primary School’s Chinese orchestra in a competition and was awarded the first prize. In February 2007, he conducted the Shanghai Yan’an Middle School’s Chinese orchestra in a competition and won the gold prize.

Music Director

Tsung Yeh

Assistant Conductor

Quek Ling Kiong

Acting Assistant COnductor

Yao Shen Shen

Instrumental musicians

Other musical positions

''All musicians’ names are listed according to alphabetical order.''

Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra

The Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra , or SYCO , is the youth section of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra . SYCO has produced the finest musicians and composers in the local and international music scene.

SYCO recently staged its third annual concert on June 10, 2006 which saw the entire auditorium fully packed. In September 2006, the "Beautiful Sunday" Concert Series presented yet another breakthrough with SYCO making its debut at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay .

In July 2006, 11 SYCO members, together with former conductor Quek Ling Kiong, travelled to Taiwan to participate in the Tainan International ChiShi Art Festival. At the same time, another 5 members successfully auditioned for and attended the Hong Kong Youth Music Camp conducted by Professor Xia Fei Yun.

Contents

* 1 Objectives
* 2 History
* 3 Committee
* 4 List of musicians
o 4.1 Music Director
o 4.2 Conductor
o 4.3 Resident Conductor
o 4.4 Instrumental musicians
* 5 Instructors
* 6 See also
* 7 External links

Objectives

SYCO gives talented young musicians the chance to work with some of the best music talents in the SCO and experience high quality professional music education and training. Through the training, SYCO hopes to inspire and nurture potential talents and groom them to be the future pillars of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

History

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra had envisaged setting up a youth Chinese orchestra that is affiliated to SCO years ago. This idea was initiated by the SCO Chairman, Mr Chew Keng Juea. The SYCO was formerly formed under the auspices of Ministry of Education ECAC in 1969. The Orchestra was subsequently under the care of Young Musicians' Society in 1980 when YMS became self-supporting. SCO formerly took over the management of SYCO in June 2003.

Committee

SYCO Committee 2006 President Heng Xiangle
Vice-President Low Yin Yin Michelle
Secretary Chow Pei Qian
Scores Coordinator Low Yik Hang
Wardrobe Coordinator Neo Wee Siang Jason
Welfare Coordinator Chew Junru
Ong Ting Kai
Managers Lum Mun Ee
Yong Shu Rong

List of musicians

Music Director

Maestro Tsung Yeh is currently also the Music Director of SCO, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra in the United States, Principal Conductor of the Beijing Huaxia Chamber Ensemble and Conductor Laureate in the Hong Kong Sinfonietta . He is also a frequent guest conductor for many orchestras around the world.

With growing reputation in the conducting teaching field, he has been one of the Artistic Directors of the Symphony Workshop Ltd in the Czech Republic since 1992, and has also taught the "Conductors' Guild Workshop in Chicago". He is also the master teacher of the International Conductors’ Workshop for contemporary music in Zürich since 1997.

Conductor
Quek Ling Kiong, conductor of SYCO.
Quek Ling Kiong, conductor of SYCO.

Quek Ling Kiong , a young and renowned homegrown percussionist and orchestra conductor, joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 1997. He is currently the Assistant Conductor of SCO and Conductor of SYCO. In 2002, Quek received the Young Artist Award presented by the National Arts Council .

Quek has been actively involved in his school’s Chinese orchestra as a percussionist. In 1982, he joined the then Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Chinese Orchestra to further his learning on percussion instruments. In 1994, under the encouragement of his teacher, Singapore Cultural Medallion recipient and renowned local conductor Mr Tay Teow Kiat , he furthered his studies in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music . In the same year, he was awarded the scholarship from the NAC, Lee Foundation and Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan , and continued his degree in the conservatory. Upon graduation in 1997, he joined the SCO.

During his appointment as the Assistant Conductor for SCO, he conducted School Concerts Series for all levels of audience ranging from Primary to Universities. His specialty of hosting and conducting educational programmes include the Young Children’s Concerts, Young People’s Concerts and Outdoor and Community Series Concerts, are highly acclaimed by audiences.

Resident Conductor

Ku Pao-Wen graduated with a Doctorate in Musical Arts, majoring in conducting from the University of South Carolina . He was also the Assistant Professor in the Tainan National University of the Arts Department of Chinese Music.

Instrumental musicians
Instrument Musician Remarks
Gaohu Lim Wan Ying Associate Concertmaster
Gu Le Le -
Koh Shi Hui Sylvia
Wang Koon Lee Dean
Zhonghu Chia Yong Hong Zhonghu Principal
Kwek Zi Kia -
Tan Hong Ging
Yeo Ting Ting Reena
Erhu Chew Jun Ru Gaohu/Erhu Principal
Hoo Yuan Yang Gaohu/Erhu Associate Principal
Giam Yue Ling -
Ho Qian Hui
Loo Jiamin
Neo Wee Siang Jason
Pang Jin Jia
Tan Kuen Cherng
Tan Ming Kwang
Tay Zhi Wen
Teo Yu Yao
Thor Jiawen
Wu Jun Jie Shaun
Zhou Boyi
Yangqin Loo Lian Wei William Yangqin/Guzheng Principal
Lur Khim Tian -
Tan Hao Song
Guzheng Koh Wei Ken Kenneth
Tay Yvonne
Wong Whye Khuin Nicholas
Pipa Low Yin Yin Michelle Pipa Principal
Koh Hui Rong -
Kua Hui Lin
Mah Sook Chen
Ng Kuan Seng Nicholas
Ouyang Qianwen
See Cai Yan Anthea
Tang Yee Ting
Wong Jie Xiang Raymond
Zhongruan Chow Pei Qian Liuqin/Ruan Principal
Cheng Zi Xin -
Chew Kee Wei
Koh Puay Chin
Sum Yu Heng
Tan Hwee Kng Stella
Tan Su-hui Sophy
Tan Su-min Clara
Zhongruan /
Sanxian Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Daruan Koh Min Hui
Liuqin Chew Xin Yi Jessly
Lim Yun Yi
Ng Shui Jaet Hanson
Qudi Tan Qing Lun Dizi Principal
Poh Hui Bin Joyce -
Qudi /
Xindi Sim Hui Fen Pauline
Tan Jun Qiang Jonathan
Wong Wai Hang
Bangdi Heng Xiangle
Ong Ting Kai Jason
Gaoyin Sheng Neo Ye Siang Desmond Sheng Principal
Zhongyin Sheng Wang Chen Wei -
Guan Lim Jia Wei
Tong Wei Jie
Wong De Li Dedric
Gaoyin Suona Tan Jian Shan Jonathan Suona Associate Principal
Bay Chuan Sheng Bennett -
Casteels Tzu-ming
Heng Shu Ling Serene
Ong Jun He
Zhongyin Suona Lee Ker Yih
Tan Boyuan
Cizhongyin Suona Goh Wei Hong
Diyin Suona Ng Chee Yao
Cello Sim Guan Jie Ryan Cello/Bass Associate Principal
Cheah Li Ping Jolene -
Choke Chong Hwee
Chong Mu He
Fang Yiyuan
Gan Ying Ying
Ng Xuan Wei
Tay Shu Wen Audrey
Ting Zhi Hong Elgin
Double Bass Fu Weiqi Cello/Bass Principal
Huang Hui Xian Julina -
Huang Shuinan
Percussion Toh Kai Siang Eugene Percussion Principal
Boo Chong Wei Benjamin -
Cheng Siew Sian Gina
Koh Bee Kwee
Liu I-hsin
Low Yik Hang
Tan Mei Jou Joel

Instructors
Instructor Instrument
Low Cher Yong Gaohu / Zhonghu
Ling Hock Siang Erhu
Zhang Rong Hui Zhongruan / Liuqin
Yu Jia Pipa
Qu Jian Qing Yangqin
Xu Hui Guzheng
Lim Sin Yeo Dizi
Lim Kiong Pin Sheng
Han Lei Guan
Liu Jiang Suona
Ji Hui Ming Cello
Lee Khiang Double Bass
Ngoh Kheng Seng Percussion

See also

* Chinese Orchestra
* Singapore Chinese Orchestra
* Singapore Symphony Orchestra
* Music of Singapore

External links

* Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra

Retrieved from " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Youth_Chinese_Orchestra "

National Chinese Orchestra

2008-09-25T20:23:00.006-07:00

The National Chinese Orchestra, Taiwan is a modern large Chinese orchestra of traditional instruments based in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. It was established in 1984 as National Art School Experimental Chinese Orchestra and renamed in 2006. It comprises 93 people and take responsibility of collecting, researching, performing, recording, and publishing the traditional music in Taiwan. The NCO is now an officially government institute. The first music director has been Yi-jen Wen since 2008.

Luogu

2008-09-25T20:23:00.005-07:00

Luogu is a Chinese percussion ensemble. It typically comprises several types of drum and several types of metal idiophones .

''Luogu'' music is performed in China as well as wherever there are populations of Chinese people .

List of ensemble formations in traditional Chinese music

2008-09-25T20:23:00.003-07:00

This is a list of ensemble formations in traditional Chinese music:

''Luogu'' and drum ensembles

''Luogu'' are Chinese percussion ensembles, which are typically made up of several different types of drums and several different types of metal idiophones, usually including gongs and cymbals . Such ensembles sometimes play in juxtaposition with melodic ensembles. There are also ensembles that consist solely of drums.
*Chaozhou luogu - gong and drum music of Chaozhou
**Chaozhou da luogu - big gong and drum music of Chaozhou
**Chaozhou xiao luogu - small gong and drum music of Chaozhou
*Shifan luogu - ten sound variations of gongs and drums
*Sichuan naonian luogu - gong and drum music performed for the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Sichuan Province
*Sunan shifan luogu (苏南十番锣鼓, see shifan luogu
*Tonggu ensemble - bronze drum ensemble
*Zhedong luogu - gong and drum music of eastern Zhejiang Province

Loud wind and percussion ensembles

Ensembles comprising loud wind instruments and the percussion instruments of the ''luogu'' ensemble are usually referred to as either ''guchui'' or ''chuida'' ensembles. Such ensembles traditionally perform outdoors, often while marching, for weddings, funerals, or military purposes. They include the following:

*Guchui ensemble - drum and wind music
*Liaonan guchui - drum and wind music of southern Liaoning Province
*Longchui - casket winds; performed by ''suona'', ''dongxiao'', ''erxian'', ''sanxian'', large and small drums, gong, cymbals, and sometimes other instruments
*Shandong guchui - drum and wind music of Shandong Province
*Shanxi badatao - eight big pieces of Shanxi Province
*Sunan chuida - wind and percussion music of southern Jiangsu Province; also called ''Sunan shifangu'' or ''Shifangu''
*Xi'an guyue - wind and percussion ensemble music of Xi'an ; also called ''Shaanxi guyue''

Silk and bamboo ensembles

Ensembles made up primarily of strings, flutes, and small percussion instruments are usually referred to as ''sizhu'' ensembles. They include:
*Chaozhou xianyue - Chaozhou silk and bamboo ensemble
*Fuzhou shifan - ten sound variations of Fuzhou
*Hakka sixian - Hakka silk and bamboo ensemble
*Hebei chuige - Hebei wind songs, see Jizhong guanyue
*Hengchui ensemble - wind music
*Jiangnan sizhu - string and wind music from the region directly south of the Yangtze River, near Shanghai
*Jizhong chuige - wind songs of central Hebei
*Jizhong guanyue - wind music of central Hebei
*Nanguan - an instrumental genre originating in Fujian; also performed in Taiwan and Singapore; also called ''nanyin'' , ''nanyue'' , or ''nanqu''

Buddhist and Daoist ritual music

Once performed regularly at and temples throughout China, since 1949 such music has experienced a significant decline, and may now be found at only a few temples in China and Taiwan.
*Jing yinyue - literally "capital music"; performed at the Zhihua Si Temple, a Ming Dynasty-era Buddhist temple in Beijing. Instruments include '''', ''dizi'', ''sheng'', ''yunluo'', cymbals, and drum, and voice

Ancient Chinese orchestra

The ancient Chinese orchestra, which comprised up to several hundred or more traditional Chinese musical instruments of many types, existed from at least the Shang Dynasty and performed ''yayue'' music for court rituals and sacrifices, as well as for entertainment of the court.
*

Modern Chinese orchestra

The modern Chinese orchestra, comprising up to 100 or more traditional Chinese musical instruments, as well as often cellos and double basses, was developed in the early 20th century.
*

Non-Han ensembles

Many ensembles are found only among China's 55 . These include:
*Bayin - literally "eight sounds"; instrumental ensemble of the Zhuang people of Guangxi, which includes such instruments as the ''maguhu'', ''tuhu'', ''huluhu'', ''sanxian'', drums, and cymbals, as well as other instruments
*Lusheng ensemble - ensemble of ''lusheng'' mouth organs of various sizes performed by the Miao and Dong peoples of southern China

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

2008-09-25T20:23:00.001-07:00

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is an based in Hong Kong. It was established in 1977 and comprises 85 musicians. The Artistic Director and Principal Conductor is Yan Huichang.

History

The Orchestra was founded in 1977 and is the only professional, full-sized Chinese orchestra with 85 musicians in Hong Kong. It came under the management of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited on April 1, 2001 when the latter took over from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong.

The Orchestra is deeply rooted in the Chinese cultural heritage. Its performance format and repertoire include both traditional Chinese music and contemporary full-scale works. It also explores new frontiers in music through commissioning new works of various types and styles, and over the years, has commissioned more than 1,700 original compositions and arrangements. The Orchestra currently has an establishment of 85 musicians who perform in the four sections comprising bowed-strings, plucked-strings, wind and percussion instruments. Traditional as well as improved Chinese instruments are incorporated.

Artistic Director/Principal Conductor

Yan Huichang, was conferred the title of National Class One Conductor at the First Professional Appraisal of China in 1987. He was appointed Music Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in June 1997, and was involved in the development of the Orchestra through its incorporation and in preparation for its Silver Jubilee season. He was retitled Artistic Director and Principal Conductor in October 2003.

Yan received five years of professional training in Chinese Music Conducting at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he was a pupil of the renowned conductor Xia Feiyun, and the famous composers Hu Dengtiao and He Zhanhao. He was appointed Principal Conductor-cum-Artistic Director of the Central Folk Orchestra of China upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction in 1983. It was followed by other positions in his music career, including as Guest Conducting Professor of the China Conservatory of Music, Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra and Folk Orchestra of the Beijing Concert Hall, Conductor and Head of the Research Centre, Department of Operatic Music of the Shaanxi Academy of the Arts, Resident Guest Conductor of Kaohsiung City Chinese Orchestra and Executive Committee member of China Nationalities Orchestra Society.

As a conductor who has worked with all professional Chinese orchestras in Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, Yan has won the acclaim of the music circles in China and abroad for his artistic and conducting talents. The symphonic piece, Buddha’s Story, and A Collection of Modern Erhu Music conducted by him won the Gold Tripod Award in Taiwan. In addition to playing an active role on the Chinese music scene, Yan has also been involved in music of other genres.

The professional orchestras he has worked with include the Philharmonic Orchestra of Beijing Concert Hall, Central Orchestra of China, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra of Moscow and Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra of China. Under his baton, and in collaboration with the famous composer Zhao Jiping, the Symphony Orchestra section of the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China made the soundtrack recordings for such award-winning films as Raise the Red Lantern, Ballad of the Yellow River, and Five Girls and a Rope. In 1992, he resettled in Singapore and was the Music Director of Naxos Pte Ltd. He was also highly commended for his conducting of the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in a Chinese music recording released by BMG of Japan.

Yan is also actively engaged in composition. His representative works include the symphonic poem The Sound of Water which won a Class One Prize in the Composition Contest of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Class Two Prize in the Third National Music Composition Competition; and the pipa solo work Nostalgia which won a Class One Award at the First National Pipa Contest of Contributing Works. Between 1992 and 1993, Yan wrote and produced for recording release Clouds, The Moon, A Music Journey on the Yellow River and Song of the General.

He was also highly commended for his conducting of the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in a Chinese music recording released by BMG of Japan in 1994. He also conducted the China Broadcasts National Music Orchestra of Beijing, the Chinese National Orchestra, the Shanghai National Orchestra, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Kaohsiung City Chinese Orchestra in their recordings. Under his baton, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has cut more than ten recordings, which include the world's first ever SACD live recording by a full-scale Chinese orchestra entitled The HKCO Silver Jubilee Concert, The Magic Notes of Zhao Jiping, Golden Chinese Classics of the Century ?V The Award Winners Concert, Majestic Drums series, and The Silk Road Fantasia Suite.

Yan was awarded the “Cultural Medallion ?by the National Arts Council of Singapore in September 2001. His achievements were simultaneously documented in The Famous Figures of the Contemporary Arts Circles in China. In 2000, he was a member of the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation, and an Examiner and Arts Advisor of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for Grants. Since 2004, he has been a Visiting Professor in many music conservatories. Yan was awarded a Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Chief Executive of HKSAR in 2004 in recognition of his remarkable achievements in Chinese music as well as his efforts in promoting Chinese music.

Musicians

Concertmaster, Assistant Conductor, Section Leader

*Wong On-yuen

Gaohu

*Hsin Hsiao-ling
*Wong Kam-shu
*Chu Yung
*Cheng Yuting
*Ng Kwok-kwong
*He Tao
*Ngai Kwun-wa

Erhu

*Hsin Hsiao-hung
*Ching Sau-wing
*Wong Yung
*To Shek-chor
*Sze Poon-chong
*Xu Hui
*Tong Koon-yan
*Lu Yunxia
*Wong lok-ting
*Zhang Chongsue
*Zhao Lei
*Siu Sau-han
*So Shun-yin

Zhonghu

*Liu Yang
*Hui Yin
*Li Ka-wa
*Wong Chi-wah
*Chang Hung-chung
*Pang Yui-sing
*Ho Ching
*Siu Sau-lan

Gehu

*Tung Hiu-lo
*Lo Chun-wo
*Li Hung-kwan
*Tng Kin-seng
*Cheung King-muia
*Wan Man-leung
*Ngai Hon-yip

Making the record books

A new Guinness Record was set by the Orchestra when some one thousand erhu players played at a mass performance entitled Music from a Thousand Strings. The official entry was made as the largest number of people performing the erhu at the same time.

The Orchestra held the Opening Rally of the Hong Kong Drum Festival at an unprecedented mass performance witnessed by all Hong Kong, when three thousand Hong Kong citizens played a drum piece, The Earth Shall Move. The event marks another Guinness World of Records entry for the Orchestra and served to boost the morale of the people of Hong Kong after the ravages of SARS.

More than 500 dizi players joined the HKCO in a mass performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Dizi and Xiao Festival 2005 - another world record for having the largest number of people playing the dizi together.

Chinese musical instrument ensemble

Gang-a-tsui

Further reading

Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble

Discography

Twelve Girls Band

History

Performances

Members

Discography

Video

The Hsu-nami

History

''Entering the Mandala''

Members

Current

Former

Discography

Singles and compilations

Albums

Press

Singapore Chinese Orchestra

History

Performances

Patron & Board Of Directors

List of musicians

Music Director

Assistant Conductor

Acting Assistant Conductor

Music Director

Assistant Conductor

Acting Assistant COnductor

Instrumental musicians

Other musical positions

Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra

National Chinese Orchestra

Luogu

List of ensemble formations in traditional Chinese music

''Luogu'' and drum ensembles

Loud wind and percussion ensembles

Silk and bamboo ensembles

Buddhist and Daoist ritual music

Ancient Chinese orchestra

Modern Chinese orchestra

Non-Han ensembles

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

History

Artistic Director/Principal Conductor

Musicians

Concertmaster, Assistant Conductor, Section Leader

Gaohu

Erhu

Zhonghu

Gehu

Making the record books