Event

Confluence

Program:
Teasing Golden Snake (2020) Jin Zhang
Confluence (2021) Edward Top, world premiere
This Erhu Quartet (2021) Tim Brady, world premiere
Night Song - Mark Armanini

Vancouver Erhu Quartet explores the sonic possibilities combining the erhu with western strings. The quartet consists of Vancouver erhu players Lan Tung and Jun Rong, violinist/violist Parmela Attariwala, and cellist Sungyong Lim. They bring together expertise in various genres, from traditional, contemporary, classical, avant-garde, and world/cross-cultural music to interdisciplinary performances.

Known for its expressive sounds, the erhu (Chinese violin) is one the most versatile instruments. Not only in China, but also in many Asian countries and around the world, the erhu has been employed widely by musicians and composers in different contexts. An instrument of ancient roots, the modern erhu has undergone significant development in recent decades in its construction/workmanship, techniques, and repertoire. Some variations in the erhu family include the erhu, gaohu (tuned a 5th higher), zhong (tuned a 5th lower), and lower tone erhu. An erhu quartet is a new performance format starting to emerge in Asia in recent years. There are currently only a handful of erhu quartets in the world, and Vancouver Erhu Quartet is the first one in Canada.