SHENG DONG: MUSIC FROM TAIWAN

https://fac.umass.edu/online/shengdong

Wednesday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Bowker Auditorium
General Admission: $15; Five College, GCC, Seniors and 17 & under $10

The world music of Sheng Dong (A Moving Sound) makes use of both Western and Chinese instruments to create songs inspired by traditional Chinese music, Taiwanese aboriginal and folk songs, and the music of Central Asia. Catching the attention of World Music critics around the globe, the modern sound is at once authentic, beautiful, and intense.

Sheng Dong a performance company based in Taipei, Taiwan and creates a new musical expression using traditional Chinese instruments such as the bowed fiddle Erhu , the Chinese guitar Zhong ruan, as well as a blend of Western instruments. Transcendent vocals and dance by lead singer Mia Hsieh, transport listeners to and beyond the Far East. Sheng Dong has attracted international attention for opening a door to this unexplored territory with a music that is both ethnic and intensely passionate and creative.

Spotlight Taiwan events are funded in part by the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan) and Special patron Dr. Samuel Yin, with additional support from Five Colleges, Incorporated.

 

3 Replies to “SHENG DONG: MUSIC FROM TAIWAN”

  1. Our van broke down on the way over, so the entire group couldn’t come, but the three of us that did make it really enjoyed the performence. One of the young women was moved to tears and eagerly clapped and ‘hahed’ as appropriate. Thanks!

  2. Would appreciate more performances of this quality. Mia Hsieh’s vocal range is extraordinary. Bringing a contemporary aesthetic to traditional art forms is a very exciting approach arising in Asian visual and performing arts. And this troupe excel at making new music while respecting their musical traditions. Thank you for finding support for Shen Dong.

  3. Sheng Dong’s performance was the most beautiful taste of Taiwan my wife and I have ever had. We both enjoyed the rarest opportunity to hear the magical sounds of the Erhu, blended with silk road notes played on the Zhong ruan. This was such an exceptional force to feel in person, as only lead singer Mia Hsieh could convey. A five stars out of five experience that truly transported us to ancient times. The familiar textures of deep bass electric guitar complimented the Balilaika flow of Taiwanese aboriginal melodies, like no other fusion music we have ever heard before. I highly recommend this wonderful immersion in Chinese culture to all, with special thanks to Dr. Samuel Yin for making the night possible.

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