PiPa Virtuoso Ming Ke to perform Chinese Music Concert at SUNY

NEW PALTZ, NY — On Tuesday, March 7, 2000 at 8:00 p.m., the SUNY New Paltz Tuesday Evening Concert Series will present a Chinese music concert with Ming Ke. This free concert will be presented in the Julien J. Studley Theatre on the SUNY campus. It is sponsored by the Musicians Guild, a member of the Student Association of SUNY New Paltz.

The PiPa has been hailed as the king of Chinese instruments, and though not usually familiar by name, is often recognized for its beautiful, distinctive sound-a sound that is well known to most non-Chinese people. The modern PiPa is a four stringed, twenty-four fretted Chinese lute that has a range of three-and-a-half octaves. Its name comes from the Chinese “Pi” and “Pa,” which mean strumming forward and strumming backward respectively.

Celebrated for her dazzling technique and enchanting playing, Ming Ke weaves a subtle and colorful performance bound in Chinese lore. Since her formal debut in 1985, Ming Ke has performed in numerous recitals and orchestral appearances as well as university lecture-recitals throughout China. She has been the recipient of many awards and prizes, such as the Garden Prize of Art Cup-International Chinese Instruments Competition of 1989 and a First Prize for PiPa performance at the Jiangsu Music and Dance Festival of 1991. In addition, a solo CD entitled “Dragon Boat” and other solo performances in Beijing, Barcelona, Madrid, and Chicago have confirmed the wide acceptance of Ming Ke’s virtuoso status.

Julien J. Studley Theatre is located at the north end of the SUNY New Paltz campus on Plattekill Avenue. The theatre is wheelchair accessible. For additional information, please call 914-257-3872.

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