Sunday, February 10, 4 pm, Rackham Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wu Man is an internationally renowned virtuoso of the pipa, a lute-like Chinese instrument whose history dates back more than 2,000 years. Born in Hangzhou, China and now living in San Diego, she is recognized as an outstanding exponent of the traditional repertoire as well as a leading interpreter of contemporary pipa music by today’s most prominent composers, including Bright Sheng (she created the original Goddess Weaver in Silver River, which UMS presented last season), Philip Glass, Lou Harrison, Tan Dun, Chen Yi, and others. A frequent participant in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project, Wu Man makes her UMS debut as part of the season’s global focus on artists from Asia, and as part of the U-M China Theme Year. She is joined by the Chinese Shawm Band, among the most exhilarating of the gypsy bands in China. Shawm Bands, which feature distinctive long reed instruments and percussion, are an integral part of village ceremonies and provide an extreme contrast to the refined world of the pipa. Shawm music dates back to the 16th century, with a gutsy, blues-like, improvisatory feel.
Brown Bag: Wu Man and the World of Chinese Music
Tuesday, Feb 12,12-1 pm, Center for Chinese Studies, School of Social Work Building, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Join world-renowned pipa virtuoso Wu Man as she discusses the world of Chinese Music, both traditional and contemporary.
University Musical Society
Wu Man's Website
