Chinese concert spotlights new talent

Students from the music department embraced the Chinese culture on Nov. 19 with their annual Chinese Music Ensemble at Harbeson Hall.

Most of the performers were first semester students in the Chinese music ensemble class instructed by Director Cynthia Hsiang.

"[The ensemble] is a wonderful opportunity for the students to get practice performing, and to add the experience of different kinds of concerts," said Hsiang.

"I'm very proud of the students. Some were nervous but they still had fun," she added.

Although it was a cold and drizzly night, the auditorium seats quickly filled and the ensemble started on time with a piece named Butterfly Dreams performed by the whole orchestra.

The ensemble ended on a cheerful note with an upbeat piece titled Happy New Year performed by all the students and soloists who received well-deserved applause and some standing ovations from the audience.

Guest performer Yunhe Liang said the students did a great job considering their experience.

"The performers are doing really great and most are first year students. It's hard to learn the instruments. Very hard," he said.

 Liang studied at PCC years ago and has guest performed in the ensemble for several years.

"I studied piano [at PCC] with Phillip Young. I perform at the ensembles often, and always play a different piece," said Liang.

 This year Liang played the erhu instrument, a two-string fiddle, in a solo titled Csardas. The style of the piece had a different sound as it transitioned from calm to racy.

Student Minghan Qiu performed Street Where Wind Resides and also played the erhu.

"I've practiced for six years and finally joined the ensemble because I like it, they're great. Even though it's all Chinese music they each play different styles. Some are eastern and some western," he said.