November 1, 1999

Music From China to Perform at

the Middlebury College Center for the Arts on Nov. 13

Playing traditional and contemporary

music from their native land, Music From China, an ensemble of

virtuoso musicians, will perform at the Concert Hall of the Middlebury

College Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. The

group will play a variety of traditional and Western instruments

dating back millennia.

Since its founding in 1984, the group

has appeared at music festivals, universities, cultural centers,

libraries, and public schools throughout the United States.

The New York Times has praised the

ensemble’s playing for its “grace and virtuosity.”

Music From China’s repertoire is extensive,

ranging from the earliest written music (sixth century A.D.) to

the present. The group’s contemporary music introduces audiences

to works by distinguished and emerging Chinese composers in a

variety of styles.

Music From China also calls attention

to the diverse folk life of the group’s native land through a

large repertoire, from the silk and bamboo music of Jiangnan to

folk songs and music storytelling. Dressed in elaborate costumes,

the group also brings the spectacle of traditional Chinese theatre

to the concert stage in presentations of Cantonese opera.

Among the instruments Music From China

plays are two-string violins, lutes, plucked zithers, bamboo flutes,

and reeded pipes, as well as drums, gongs, and cymbals. Led by

artistic director Wang Guowei and executive director Susan Cheng,

the ensemble includes Chen Tao and Hu Jianbing.

Tickets for this performance are $9

general admission and $7 for senior citizens. A pre-performance

dinner at 6:30 p.m. will be held at Rehearsals Cafe. To order

tickets or make dinner reservations, call the College box office

at 802-443-6433.