School Description

Established in 1997, the JUNO nominated Orchid Ensemble is Lan Tung (Taiwan/Canada) on the erhu/Chinese violin, Yu-Chen Wang (Taiwan/US) on the zheng/Chinese zither, and Jonathan Bernard (Canada) on percussion. The ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond, creating a beautiful new sound. The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China, World Music, New Music to Jazz and Creative Improvisation. The energetic yet endearing performance style of the ensemble consistently intrigues and delights its audiences. Acclaimed as ‘One of the brightest blossoms on the world music scene’ (Georgia Straight), the Orchid Ensemble has been tirelessly developing an innovative musical genre based on the cultural exchange between Western and Asian musicians. The Orchid Ensemble regularly collaborates with artists from various backgrounds. At the same time, it commissions new works from Canadian and US composers to create a contemporary repertoire. Its annual productions have evolved to integrate music with multimedia, dance and scenographic installation. The ensemble tours regularly across North America, giving over seventy performances every year at concert halls, educational institutes and prominent World, Jazz and Folk Music festivals. Recent appearances include The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer Gallery, Canada Day Celebrations in Ottawa, Festival Miami, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. As BC’s spokesperson for the UNESCO ASPnet in Canada, the Orchid Ensemble gives educational presentations to various age groups. The ensemble’s CD Road to Kashgar won a 2005 JUNO nomination, and is featured regularly on CBC TV, Radio and Radio Canada.