THE MEMBERS of the Vancouver-based Orchid Ensemble include Lan Tung, on the erhu (Chinese violin), Jonathan Bernard on percussion and Yu-Chen Wang on the zheng (Chinese zither). Between Wednesday and April 29, the trio will perform with the Oratorio Chorale, and present school programs.
O n April 28 and 29, the Oratorio Chorale intends to bring a new and innovative program to two venues on the coast of Maine, part of a five-day residency with the Vancouver-based Orchid Ensemble.
Beginning Wednesday, the Orchid Ensemble will provide school presentations of East-West music, and a program of Chinese- Jewish music of the Asian Diaspora.
The musical programs are billed as “Cold Fusion,” in which the Oratorio Chorale will perform with the Orchid Ensemble’s Lan Tung, of Taiwan and Canada, on the erhu (Chinese violin), Yu-Chen Wang, of Taiwan and the U.S. on the zheng (Chinese zither), and Jonathan Bernard (Canada) on percussion. This ensemble blends these ancient instruments and traditions from China and beyond.
The music sung by the chorale will include Stephen Paulus’ “Meditations of Li-Po,” the 8th century Chinese poet; the melodious “Ting Song,” (“Listening to the Pines”) by Hua Yan-jun; and additional music by Moshe Denberg and Janet Danielson.
The school programs will feature instruments, music and stories from China and around the world. Student participation will be offered at Morse High School, at Bath Middle School, the Merriconeag Waldorf School in Freeport, and for students at Temple Beth-El in Portland.
In addition, a free special program of Jewish Chinese fusion music will be presented at Temple Beth-El at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Among other music that evening, the Oratorio Chorale will perform a composition by Moshe Denberg. Based on the Orchid Ensemble’s “Ten Thousand Miles to Kai-Feng,” this program explores the Jewish presence along the Silk Road and in China, from the seventh century and beyond. It features music that combines Jewish and Asian traditions.
Other joint Oratorio Chorale and Orchid Ensemble performances take place at 7:30 p.m. April 28 at Montgomery Theatre in Morse High School on High Street in Bath, and at 3 p.m. April 29 at Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland.
Tickets to the weekend concerts cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Students will be admitted for half price, and children younger than 12 get in free.
For ticket information, call 798-7985, or visit www.oratoriochorale.org for ticket venues.
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