orchid ensemble concerts

Dear CAFAM members who love music:

An outstanding Canadian instrumental group, The Orchid Ensemble, is coming to the area at the end of April. This trio consists of Ms. Lan Tong on the erhu (Chinese violin), Ms. Yu-Chen Wang on the guzheng (Chinese “zither”), and Mr. Jonathan Bernard on marimba.

Established in 1997, the ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond. They embrace a variety of musical styles, from the traditional and contemporary music of China, to jazz and creative improvisation. Their website is: www.orchidensemble.com.

Next week, they will be giving several performances in the area, at schools and for the public, two of them being joint concerts with the Oratorio Chorale, a well-known institution based in Brunswick. The latter’s website is www.oratoriochorale.org.

The performance schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, April 25, 3:30 to 4:30: Orchid Ensemble presentation for school children at the Temple Beth’el 400 Deering Avenue, Portland. Free. As the time of this posting, it seems that any area children can attend this event. But to be sure, check with the temple at 774-2649.

Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 PM: Orchid Ensemble’s special program of Jewish/Chinese fusion music at Temple Beth’el 400 Deering Avenue, inspired by the Jewish presence on the ancient Silk Road. This concert is free.

Thursday, April 26, daytime: school presentation in Freeport

Friday, April 27, daytime: school presentation in Bath

Saturday, April 28, 7:30 Orchid Ensemble and Oratorio Chorale, program of Eastern and Western music. Montgomery Theater, Morse High School, Bath. Tickets: advanced purchase $20, at the door $25; students $10 and $12.50; children under 12 with paying adult, free. For information on how to obtain tickets, go to www.oratoriochorale.org/tickets.htm or call 798-7985.

Sunday, April 29, 3:00 PM: program of Eastern and Western music with the Brunswick-based Oratorio Chorale. Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland. Tickets: advanced purchase $20, at the door $25; students $10 and $12.50; children under 12 with paying adult, free. For information on how to obtain tickets, go to www.oratoriochorale.org/tickets.htm or call 798-7985.

Best regards,

Craig