Chinese Music Ensemble

Join us for a concert presented by the Conservatorium's Chinese Music Ensemble. 

Chinese Instruments:

Dizi--it is a Chinese transverse bamboo flute which originated in Western China and has been used by the Han people for more than 2000 years. It is a solo and ensemble instrument, mainly used for playing melodies. It consists simply of a bamboo pipe, a piece of membrane and a dizi block.

Sheng--it is a Chinese mouth organ that has several thousand years of history. The modern sheng consists of a wind chamber, bamboo pipes, a set of free-reeds, metal resonant pipes and metal keys. The sheng has a unique timbre which falls between the Western organ and Chinese bamboo wind instruments. It functions in the ensemble as a solo instrument and works effectively with the other instruments as a binding force.

Erhu--it is a Chinese two-string fiddle. It is one of the main melody instruments in an ensemble but also is a solo instrument. Its unique timbre mainly depends on the snakeskin on the resonator. The instrument consists of a resonator, a long round wooden pole, two turning pegs, two steel strings, an adjustable sliding upper nut, a bow and a wooden bridge.

Ruan--It is a four-stringed plucked Chinese lute that has a moon-shaped wooden resonator. The pipa is one of the popular plucked string lute instruments in China.

Yangqin--it is a zither that is struck with rubber-cushioned bamboo sticks. The yangqin is adapted from the persian santur, which was introduced to the coastal areas of Guang Dong province in China about 1600 AD. Now it has become a popular instrument throughout China. It has a wide range and has the advantage of playing rhythm patterns and broken chords.

ACCESSIBILITY

Melba Hall is wheelchair accessible via a side entrance. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  
• In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.  
• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.