Melody of China Showcases Traditional Chinese Instruments on Contemporary Compositions at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 11/22 at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Melody of China, an acclaimed San Francisco-based Chinese chamber ensemble, brings the beauty and versatility of traditional Chinese instruments to Sierra Madre Playhouse, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 am. Transcending cultural and stylistic boundaries, Melody of China delivers masterful performances of contemporary compositions on ancient Chinese instruments in a dazzling fusion of tradition and innovation that captivates people of all ages. 

The ensemble, which has become a leading force in Chinese music in the U.S., showcases Artistic Director Yangqin Zhao on the guzheng (zither) and yangqin (hammered dulcimer); Strauss Shi on erhu (two-stringed fiddle), and dizi (bamboo transverse flute); and Thomas Lee on erhu and gaohu (Chinese bowed instrument).

Hailed as “innovative and dazzling” (San Francisco Chronicle), Melody of China performances break barriers, combining traditional Chinese music with contemporary works by influential composers such as Kui Dong, Gang Situ, and Yuanlin Chen. Since 1993, the ensemble has commissioned and premiered over 40 new works by 20 contemporary composers. Although keeping one foot firmly planted in tradition, Melody of China has led numerous innovative and experimental projects, such as Songs from Mongolia and the Young Composers Series, for which young Bay Area composers were asked to compose music for Chinese instruments. 

Melody of China been a featured guest artist with the Berlin Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony and has appeared in concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School, Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theatre, among many other venues. The group has performed at the Chicago World Music Festival, the Lotus Festival, and the Chicago Jazz Festival as well as with such jazz ensembles as Francis Wong’s Asian Improv Arts and Anthony Brown’s Asian-American Jazz Orchestra. Other cross-genre projects have also included collaborations with Alonzo King Lines Ballet and the Oakland Ballet.

For tickets ($12) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.