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TORONTO, ON — The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble will make its Canadian debut in October with performances in Toronto and Ottawa, presenting music inspired by the centuries-old cultural heritage of Dunhuang and the Silk Road.
The Resonance of Dunhuang concerts will take place Oct. 9 at Toronto’s Jane Mallett Theatre and Oct. 10 at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. The performances are being held in connection with the 56th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.
Invited by the Chinese Embassy in Canada and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, the ensemble combines contemporary compositions with reconstructed ancient instruments based on depictions found in the murals of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Original animation will accompany the performances, connecting the musical program with the visual art and history of the ancient Silk Road site.
Dunhuang art scholar Dr. Zhao Shengliang, former director of the Dunhuang Academy. (Image provided by organizer)
Ahead of the Toronto concert, Dunhuang art scholar Dr. Zhao Shengliang, former director of the Dunhuang Academy, will give a public lecture at the Jane Mallett Theatre at 4 p.m. on Oct. 9. The lecture, presented in Chinese with English subtitles, will explore the artistic and historical context behind Dunhuang’s musical and visual traditions. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Toronto concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. the same day at the Jane Mallett Theatre. The ensemble will then travel to Ottawa for a second performance at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.
Founded in Hong Kong in 2018 by Ji Wenfeng, the Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble brings together composers Gan Shengxi and Zhu Qiyang and eight traditional Chinese instrumentalists. Its work focuses on interpreting Dunhuang’s musical heritage through reconstructed instruments and newly composed works.
According to the ensemble, it has presented more than 100 performances in 20 cities, including London, Paris, Tokyo and Bangkok.
Event Information
Toronto Lecture
Oct. 9, 4 p.m. Jane Mallett Theatre, Toronto Speaker: Dr. Zhao Shengliang Language: Chinese with English subtitles Admission: Free, first come, first served Registeration: https://forms.gle/ebz3KP9H8ynMPMX88
Toronto Concert
Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. Jane Mallett Theatre, Toronto Ticket inquiries: 416-895-2281 Ticket purchase: https://www.livenation.com/event/168Zkf6vMZACe7k6/resonance-of-dunhuang
Ottawa Concert
Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa Ticket purchase: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/3100651ADA797E27
Media Contacts
Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble Agnes Qi, Project Manager +852 2885 2698 agnesqi@gde.com.hk Canada-China Cultural Development Association Rudy Gao, Project Director +1 647 860 7488 rudygao@gmail.com
