Houston Community News >> Changlu Wu Pipa Music Performance
2/23/2008 Sugar Land, TX-- This past
Sunday, February 17th, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presented East
Meets West, a concert celebrating a diversity of musical styles from
different cultures. The Orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor
Libi Lebel sparkled with energy and enthusiasm throughout the entire
performance, but the highlight was the “Qilian Rhapsody” for Pipa and
Orchestra by Lan-Kui Han.
(Changlu Wu with FBSO, photo credit Robert DiBlanco)
Adults and children alike were mesmerized as the beautiful and haunting sounds of the Pipa, an ancient Chinese stringed musical instrument closely related to the lute, floated over the audience. Ms. Changlu Wu, a virtuoso who began studying the Pipa at the age of 6, displayed sensitivity and a deep sense of musicality throughout the performance, winning over a new group of fans for both the Pipa and Chinese music.
“I had no idea that the pipa could evoke such a mixture of feelings of anguish, passion, reverence, and ethereal purity,” commented Stacey Henderson, longtime flautist with the Orchestra. “The audience was (as we were on stage) drawn into the music… and I for one, felt transported. I’m definitely a pipa fan now and it is thanks to Changlu.”
The Orchestra’s next concert on Saturday, March 29th will be conducted by Héctor Agüero, Jr. and will feature the winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition: Joey Sliepka, Junior Division and Yang Zhou, Senior Division.
Be sure to visit the Orchestra’s website at www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642 for more information on upcoming performances, becoming a member, or joining our growing group of volunteers.
(Changlu Wu with FBSO, photo credit Robert DiBlanco)
Adults and children alike were mesmerized as the beautiful and haunting sounds of the Pipa, an ancient Chinese stringed musical instrument closely related to the lute, floated over the audience. Ms. Changlu Wu, a virtuoso who began studying the Pipa at the age of 6, displayed sensitivity and a deep sense of musicality throughout the performance, winning over a new group of fans for both the Pipa and Chinese music.
“I had no idea that the pipa could evoke such a mixture of feelings of anguish, passion, reverence, and ethereal purity,” commented Stacey Henderson, longtime flautist with the Orchestra. “The audience was (as we were on stage) drawn into the music… and I for one, felt transported. I’m definitely a pipa fan now and it is thanks to Changlu.”
The Orchestra’s next concert on Saturday, March 29th will be conducted by Héctor Agüero, Jr. and will feature the winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition: Joey Sliepka, Junior Division and Yang Zhou, Senior Division.
Be sure to visit the Orchestra’s website at www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642 for more information on upcoming performances, becoming a member, or joining our growing group of volunteers.