Melody of China continues NSU's Galaxy of Stars on Nov. 9

Northeastern State University's Galaxy of Stars series continues Nov. 9 with a performance by Melody of China, an ensemble specializing in Chinese classical, folk and contemporary music using traditional instruments.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the Tahlequah High School Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Paul Westbrook, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said Melody of China was a fitting act to participate in the 25th season of Galaxy of Stars.

"We have not had music from eastern Asia performed in the series for some time, and we have a growing community and university interest in that part of the world," he said. "We also felt that this group, which provides educational programs as well as excellent entertainment, would be a good bet. The audience will hear classical Chinese music played on traditional instruments and newer music with a western flair."

The ensemble's concerts are multi-faceted, ranging from full-length works requiring more than a dozen musicians to short musical duets and trios. Instruments used include the erhu or Chinese fiddle, yangqin or hammered dulcimer, dizi or bamboo flutes and others.

"This will be a great opportunity for our community to experience east Asian music and culture," said Amber Cowan, director of the Galaxy of Stars series. "Our students will benefit from the Learning LIVE performance and will particularly enjoy the array of instruments presented to them."

Melody of China will perform a Learning LIVE show for local students at 1:30 p.m. at the THS PAC in addition to its Galaxy of Stars performance. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservation forms are available at the Sequoyah Institute Box Office.

Melody of China, based in San Francisco, is non-profit. It was formed in 1993 by a group of professional musicians from some of the most prestigious music conservatories in China.

Performers include Yangqin Zhao and Xian Lu of the Chinese Nationalities Orchestra Society; Linhong Li, Haiyue Zhang and Gangqin Zhao of the Chinese Musicians' Association; and Hong Wang, Wanpen Guo, Wei Wang and Zhang Yu. The ensemble's concerts often include guest appearances by professional musicians.

Individual ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 for NSU alumni, $16 for NSU employees and seniors 60 and over, $10 for students and $6 for NSU students. To reserve tickets call 918-458-2075. For more information visit https://academics.nsuok.edu/si.

For further information about Melody of China visit www.melodyofchina.org.

The Galaxy of Stars series is made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mid-America Arts Alliance and the Oklahoma Arts Council.