The Story of Chinese Musical Tradition: A Keeper of Asian Heritage Music

Join Wilton Library for a special program about the Chinese musical tradition in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Enjoy musical instrument demonstrations and professional performance.

Wilton residents Anchi Lin and her son, New York- and Boston-based conductor Julian Gau, will present information and demonstrate several traditional classical instruments from China. Two musicians from the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York will then perform on their chosen instruments:

– Xiao-ran Eric Liu, an outstanding Bamboo Flute professional with an innovative approach to western instruments
– Rini Zhang, a virtuoso Erhu player and opera singer focusing on diverse styles of performing repertoire

Chinese classical music preserved many ancient musical elements from the historical Asia regions. Through the Silk Road, musicians and merchants from the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia brought their music and instruments to China. The capital of China, from around 200 BC until 14 AD, was like New York or Paris nowadays. For example, many traveled and brought their cultural heritages there. Over about 1600 years, Chinese musicians observed and preserved some of the instruments and musical elements that came from different parts of Asia. These aspects ended up in what we now understand to be “Chinese classical music”. The heritage “Chinese” music is a story of continuous integration and infusion of diverse musical traditions from different parts of Asia.

Music is a powerful way to connect and continue such historical memories from the past. Many of the nomadic tribes were lost through centuries of wars or political struggles. However, the instruments and genres kept by the traditional Chinese music tradition can provide a glimpse into their musical heritages.

No charge for this event co-sponsored by Wilton Library and the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York.

Register online or call 203-762-6334.