Silk Road Music concert

Qiu Xia He, Andre Thibault and special guest: Jun Rong

Friday Aug 31,2007
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
Door opens at 7pm with concerts beginning at 7:30pm

tickets are on Sale now !
call Melisa 604 662 3207 ext 205

Choice of parking, Street parking on Columbia or in the Parkade near the corner of Columbia St. on Keefer St.

Silk Road Music was formed in 1991 by virtuoso pipa player Qiu Xia He, who came to Canada in 1989 to play the Vancouver Folk Music Festival as part of a touring ensemble from China. She stayed in Canada and has become a vibrant addition to the Vancouver Music scene. Over the years, Qiu xia has had many successes with Silk Road as she introduces new repertoires and artists to the Enchanted Evening series every year. For this special concert, she will present her recent work on the Chinese Pipa, accompanied by guitarist Andre Thibault, and a very special guest on the Chinese Erhu who’s name is Jun Rong.

2006 has been very exciting and eventful for Silk Road Duo.Their new CD Autumn Cloud was nominated in two categories at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Thanks to Canada Council’s support they started working with manager Derek Andrews of Global Cafe to promote their music in Canada and abroad. The winter tour in toronto featrured a CBC appearance with a terrific public response, performances at the Now Lounge and schools with the Prologue Agency went extremely well; the spring tour taking part in Vermont, Montreal Access Asie Festival and the prestigious International Guitar Festival in Rouyn-Noranda which included stars like John Pizzarelli,Manuel Barrueco and others. The busy summer tour led to exciting festivals in Canada such as the Stan Rogers Fest in Nova Scotia, Sunfest in London ON, Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife, Harbourfront TO and Blues and Roots in Salmon Arm BC.

Silk Road Duo also did two successful showcases in Artstarts and Pacific contact. 2008’s performances are taking shape.The enthusiastic presenters will bring the group to Vancouver Islands and lower mainland in Feb for Chinese New Year, Central BC in March and Nov, Toronto in April, Washington state in the fall and a special invitation to perform with the Victoria Symphony on Oct 17, 08.

Silk Road Music would like to thank Canada Council for their support to commission Moshe Denburg to write us a fantastic duo piece which will be premiered at today’s concert! Thanks to the Chinese Garden for keeping the Enchanted evening program and provide us an opportunity to perform in our own town! Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging and generous over the years!

Please do write us a note, so we will keep in touch: www.silkroadmusica.ca

Qiu Xia He was born in Baoji China, who once taught at the Xian Academy of Music , toured with the popular Shaanxi Music and Dance Troupe, then decided to become a Canadian. Since arriving in the country 15 years ago,speaking no English and knowing no one - Qiu Xia has risen to the top of her profession once again, performing as a featured soloist with the Vancouver Symphony, Glacier Orchestra of Montana,USA, playing with many top musicians, touring with groups like Silk Road Music and Joutou, and earning a Juno award nomination, and winning twice of the Westcost music award for her CDs of Endless and Village Tales.

Andre Thibault is well respected in the acoustic music world. He is a brilliant guitarist, whose fiery rhythms and stunning technique result from a unique blend of Flamenco and Moorish traditions colored with jazz, classical, and world music. His interest in world music led him to study bouzouki and oud, lutes of the Arabic world. He is also skillful on flutes and percussion. The noted musician Sal Ferreras says: “Andre is a voyageur whose quest for the spirit of Spanish, Arabic and Brazilian folklore is amply evident in the breadth of his work and the beauty of his interpretations. He can transport the listener from the Casbah to the Gypsy caves of Andalucia.”

Special guest: Jun Rong Erhu
Born in a musical family in China's Hebei Province, Jun Rong graduated from the China Music Academy after 9 years of intensive study with well-known professors such as Cao De Wei. After working for the prestigious China Opera and Dance Orchestra of China, she moved to Vancouver and established a second musical career in her new homeland. Her extraordinary command of the erhu (Chinese violin) and her passionate artistic expression have overwhelmed her audiences.She has been invited to perform in many concerts such as the featured soloist for the BC Chinese Orchestra at the Chan Center in 2003. The last few years, she has often been a guest with Silk Road Music for touring and the Autumn Cloud CD.

World Premiere of Passion’s Promise. By Moshe Denburg
A new composition in a modern style using complex harmonies and rythmic divisions featuring the Pipa and guitar.

Silk Road Music
Tel: 604-434-9316
e-mail: qxcloud@telus.net
www.silkroadmusic.ca