Lan Tung 
erhu

 
Mei Han
zheng

 
Jonathan Bernard  
marimba and percussion

East meets West as the Orchid Ensemble blends musical traditions and instruments from China, Europe and beyond, creating a new sound which is both innovative and distinct. 

Its repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary music of many regions of China, to New Music, World Music and Jazz. The unique combination of erhu, zheng and marimba creates a fascinating tapestry of musical textures and colors, which consistently intrigue and delight the audience. The ensemble is also regularly developing new collaborations with musicians and composers from a wide variety of world cultures.

The music of Orchid Ensemble's 2004 CD, The Road to Kashgar" is dedicated to one of the ancient cities that was part of the Silk Road. An ancient symbol of cultural exchange, the Silk Road is in fact not one, but a series of routes. The central meeting point of these trade routes is Kashgar, midway between Rome and Beijing, in northwest China. Marketplace, desert oasis, resting point and meeting place, Kashgar represents the gateway into China, through which flows the rich and exotic culture and influence of India, Persia, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The Road to Kashgar, while essentially Chinese, is colored with the rhythms, modes and character of these exotic lands.

Official Web Site: www.orchidensemble.com

Heartland (OE2000, 2000)

Road to Kashgar (2004)