Looking forward to the up-coming concert on November 5th at Old First Church in San Francisco. The concert features the world premiere of Francis Wong’s new piece, “Shanghai Stories”, which combines Chinese traditional instruments such as erhu, pipa, sheng, yangqin, suona and guzheng with jazz saxophone, trombone, upright bass and drums. Melody of China will be joined by Francis Wong, Wayne Wallace, Tatsu Aoki and Deszon Claiborne.
I can’t imagine a more intriguing combination of instruments and styles. The new piece by Francis Wong is inspired by memories of his father growing up in Shanghai during the 1920’s and 30’s where jazz intermingled with Chinese music. What’s really special about this concert is that there is such a compelling story behind the music that the whole scenario makes so much sense. The piece is still experimental, given that it is a new music composition with such an unheard-of combination of instruments, however, at the same time, it’s also a direct link to the past — this very real past that was experienced by the composer’s father. So, in that sense, the piece is biographical and — historical.
This exciting blend of musical cultures makes me contemplate the state of chamber music in our culture. Right now, with the economy still anemic, ticket sales and audience turnout are way down. At the same time, you have a lot of interesting things happening in chamber music. I just saw Weber Iago play a new piece for jazz rhythm section and string quartet. And, of course, the Other Minds Festival of new music every year is constantly pushing the envelope (although I wish they’d do more with instruments from other cultures). And, we all know, the bay area is a hub for experimentation and trying new things just for the sake of trying them. This is all to say that chamber music is evolving (thank goodness!) and that we have yet to see the new incarnation of the typical chamber music ensemble (or, perhaps the very idea of a typical ensemble has disintegrated).
At any rate, new instruments (Chinese, for example), new styles (jazz is already becoming a mainstay), and new ways of presenting ensembles is giving chamber music a healthy growth spurt. So, let’s check out the latest and help move things along… see you on November 5th at Old Fist Church! Purchase tickets HERE
