Yadong Guan, pipa
Féquence pékinoise |
Yadong Guan, pipa Hailing from Beijing, Yadong Guan is a true musical ambassador who brilliantly masters the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument that is over 2,000 years old. Handling the metal and nylon-stringed instrument with impressive virtuosity, Guan uncovers one of her country’s hidden treasures, offering audiences a truly exotic experience. Those who have been privileged to watch her perform have been enraptured by her profound artistic sensitivity and by the sounds of the pipa, which range from delicate and gentle to brisk and powerful. Since her arrival in Canada in 1997, the elegant virtuoso has been sparking much curiosity and admiration, whether she presents herself in solo recitals, as a soloist with orchestras or with various small ensembles. In addition to giving concerts dedicated to traditional Chinese music, Yadong Guan has adapted a wide variety of Western music to her instrument, from classical works (Bartók, Debussy, Vivaldi) to selections from the Quebec song repertoire (Gilles Vigneault, Claude Léveillée). Yadong Guan has also toured Canada on several occasions, and her brilliant playing is immortalized on two recordings. Moreover, her exceptional contribution to the development of Chinese culture has won her several prestigious accolades, including a ministerial prize, awarded at the UN World Women’s Conference in 1995. Although the uncommon aspect of her instrument arouses the fascination of the general public, Yadong Guan sincerely wishes the pipa could one day enjoy the same popularity as the guitar. Come discover this mesmerizing performer... and let yourself be fascinated! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Fréquence pékinoise "The Trio Yadong features Yadong Guan on pipa, a young Asian woman of astonishing virtuosity." Luc Proulx, Nord Info, Sainte-Thérèse de Blainville (2005) Chinese pipa, guitar, and cello, featured in a bold, “East-meets-West” repertoire including traditional Chinese and Irish music, modern classical works, and selections from the Quebec song repertoire... without a doubt, Fréquence pékinoise promises an intensely moving musical experience! Nothing could be truer, judging by the praise the concert has received from audiences, not to mention rave reviews (following a performance of the show, Stan Passfield, from the Orillia Concert Association, in Ontario, wrote: “many people were moved to tears. I have never witnessed this in a concert before,” while Steven Kennard, from the Evergreen Theatre, in Nova Scotia, claimed: “It is a rare and delightful experience, to have the opportunity to attend such a beautiful performance”). Though the three performers offer sophisticated renditions of works by Debussy, Vivaldi, and de Falla, the real highlight, for the audience, is to discover the pipa, one of the most ancient traditional instruments from China (over 2,000 years old!) still in use. Virtuoso Yadong Guan delivers a magnificent solo on the instrument, followed by a few explanations to provide some insight into its many subtleties. Many years of training and practice are necessary to master the pipa, which shares some of the guitar’s playing techniques. Aside from the exotic instrumental aspect of Fréquence pékinoise, the audience will be deeply moved by Yadong Guan’s soothing singing voice. Don’t miss this enchanting musical encounter of rare beauty and musical intensity! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Sacred Music from China Four elegant performers take you on a mesmerizing journey to the heart of China, revealing three of the country’s most ancient instruments. Audiences are in for an exotic treat with Sacred Music From China, a concert featuring three virtuosi performing on some of China’s most ancient instruments: the pipa (Yadong Guan), the Chinese zither (Chih-Lin Chou), and the Chinese violin (Yang Lee). In a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere, the three marvellous artists alternate between solo, duo, and trio performances, beautifully supported by the graceful movements of a masterful traditional Chinese dancer (Zhuzi Cui). Pipa virtuoso Yadong Guan has taken great pleasure in concocting this bold production, which introduces some of her cultural heritage to present day audiences. Having been chosen as a student by pipa master Lin Shi Cheng (only the best are selected), Yadong Guan spent seven years receiving instruction from the eminent specialist of ancient and sacred music before mastering the 2,000 year-old instrument. Guan, Chou and Lee offer a mesmerizing journey into the sacred music of China, performing works inspired by Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, including “Admiring a Moonlit River in the Spring” and “Bells of the Buddhist Monastery.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Audio and Video Excerpts Fréquence pékinoise, Claude Gagnon Sun Yi Tang Ni: CBC Radio Two:
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