Shanghai Percussion Ensemble

Project Partner:
China/Ireland Cultural Exchange

Contact:

Date: 4 November 2004
Venue: City Hall

Project Description:
The internationally renowned Shanghai Percussion Ensemble came to Cork for a rousing finale to the China/Ireland Cultural Exchange.

For lovers of percussion in all its guises, this concert was a unique experience.

The Shanghai Percussion Ensemble was founded in 1998 and is comprised of 15 leading members of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, under Musical Director Yang Liqing. The world class Ensemble, who contributed to the soundtrack of the global cinematic hit ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, have collaborated with celebrated musicians including Yo-Yo Ma and Meredith Monk.

In their concert in Cork, and subsequent performances in Ennis and Dublin, the Ensemble performed an engaging programme that showcases China’s vast musical diversity, including folkloric pieces from the ShanXi, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Hunan provinces, music from the operatic and martial traditions, together with contemporary works by leading composers Qu Xiaosong and Professor Jia Daqun.

Prior to their Cork performance members of the internationally renowned Ensemble gave a workshop for music students at UCC during which they showcased their music and performance techniques.

Gao Hua & Peng Yu (l-R) at a percussion workshop in UCC

Credit Arthur Ellis, Provision