Sound of Dragon: Vancouver's first ever Chinese Music Festival
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.
While presenting authentic traditional music, the festival promotes creativity and innovation in imaginative new ensembles and projects, utilizing unusual cross-cultural instrumentations. By featuring 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.
The impetus for this festival has its roots in the musicians who came to Vancouver from China, Europe and other parts of Asia. At the same time, the composer community was exploring writing for non-western instruments. Traditionally trained musicians, composers and improvisers from various traditions began collaborating, creating fertile ground for a festival that explores Chinese music in its many forms and influences. For a more detailed chronology, visit www.soundofdragon.com.
This inaugural event over three days at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre presents a series of concerts, and free educational workshops and presentations. Prior to the festival there will be a number of outreach presentations: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden in Chinatown on May 1, Richmond Public Library & Cultural Centre on May 4, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby on May 5, the Main branch of the Vancouver Public Library on May 6, and the Western Front in East Vancouver on May 8.
The Sound of Dragon Music Festival is part of Vancouver’s Asian Heritage Month celebrations. Very special guests are the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra from Taiwan, whose repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary, as well as large-scale interdisciplinary projects.
Lee Pui Ming, based in Toronto, is headlining the final evening concert as well as a workshop at Western Front. A celebrated pianist, composer and improviser, in honour of Mother’s Day she will present a piece dedicated to the memory of her late mother – Hui Pui, or Xu Pei (許佩老師), a well-respected voice teacher who taught numerous singing and acting stars in Hong Kong from the 50s to the 80s.
The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra will perform original compositions and re-interpret famous Chinese classics. Many new works will be premiered at the festival, including John Oliver’s Celestial Storehouse for the Orchid Ensemble, three American works for zheng soloist Yuchen Wang, Jin Zhang’s percussion concerto No Rush, and Lan Tung’s Sound of Dragon fusing Chinese melodies with African influences.
Sound of Dragon Music Festival
When: May 9 to 11, 2014
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Website: soundofdragon.com