Yin Xiao – News editor. The Chinese virtuoso string ensemble Red Chamber will enchant audiences with its performance, “Secrets of the Chinese Court, Passions of the West,” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in Ice Auditorium.
“Every year, we have one international concert [put on by the] music department,” Faun Tiedge, professor of music and department chair, said. “It’s part of the ‘Bring China to McMinnville’ series, which is sponsored by the International Program Office.”
This string performance’s set list spans centuries, ranging from transcriptions all the way from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to modern compositions. The repertoire includes ancient Chinese court music blended with Balkan, gypsy, jazz, American old-time and bluegrass traditions, as well as free-form music.
Randy Raine-Reusch, world music composer and performer, will appear as a guest artist. His music, performed across the world, has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Taoism and Zen.
The ensemble is led by Mei Han, a virtuoso who has taken the Chinese Zheng (zither) to new musical dimensions. Her music is deeply rooted in more than 2,000 years of Chinese culture, but she redefined the Zheng, inventing new tunings, developing new fingering techniques, expanding old structures and creating new forms of expression.
“Two years ago, Mei Han came to Linfield to perform,” Tiedge said, “She is a modern woman, a wonderful performer and a great scholar.”
Since 2001, Red Chamber has performed in Europe, Asia and North America. Tiedge said she is excited that Linfield students have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality international music.
Red Chamber also features Guilian Liu, who is internationally recognized as one of the world’s premiere pipa (Chinese lute) players; Zhimin Yu, the only ruan (bass lute) virtuoso in North America; and award-winning multi-instrumentalist Geling Jiang.
Red Chamber’s music can be found on its MySpace and Facebook pages, and the ensemble’s music can be previewed at www.mei-han/redchamber.
“Secrets of the Chinese Court, Passions of the West” is co-sponsored by the Linfield Department of Music and the International Programs Office.
For more information, contact the music department at 503-883-2275.