The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble Make Joyce Theater Debut 11/3-8

The Joyce Theater will present a one-week engagement of The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble, a special guest company of the China Festival at Carnegie Hall, from November 3-8. Tickets, starting at $10, can be purchased through JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or via the internet at www.joyce.org. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street.

Watch the famous ancient painting of The Feast of Han Xizai come to life by The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble. The Taiwan-based company recreates the traditional Nanguan music and Liyuan dance of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), with sumptuous costumes and sets by Academy Award-winner Tim Yip (Best Art Direction, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Rich in learning, artistry, local culture and international concepts, The Feast of Han Xizai is a uniquely elegant classical masterpiece.

In preserving the essence of the ancient Nanguan tradition, The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble builds upon the Musical theatre of the Pear Orchard, a branch of southern music & dance popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

About The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble
The Han-Tang Yuefu Music Ensemble was founded in 1983 by Chen Mei-o of Nanguan ("Southern Winds") fame. Its purpose was to confirm the major role Nanguan in the history of Chinese music, to trace the origins to its earliest sources, and to train singers and instrumentalists in the proper art of performing Nankuan music and, while energizing the lifeblood of this ancient tradition, rescue it from the brink of oblivion. Productions of the Han-Tang Yuefu are marked by clearly defined scholarly goals, a spirit of in-depth cultural probing, distinctive ethnic characteristics, rich legacies in classical art, and highly polished performance techniques. These have together contributed to their refined and superior elegance. For more than ten years as they performed this ancient music at centers of higher learning the worldwide, Han-Tang Yuefu have earned international renown and admiration at various art festivals in Europe and Asia, winning high praise everywhere.

In 1990 in Taiwan, they produced a CD record of Nanguan music which was awarded a triple "Golden Cauldron" by the Executive Yuan for the best record, the best performance, and the best production. In 1991 they won the top award given to a musical group by the Ministry of Education. In 1995 they were elected one of the "International Performing Arts" groups to receive support from the Council on Cultural Planning and Development which at last made it possible to implement their long-cherished dream of recording the complete set of 64 ancient Nanguan instrumental suites. In the same year they produced a CD record introducing the Appreciation of Nanguan and once more won a double "Golden Cauldron" prize for the best record and the best staging.

In preserving the essence of the ancient Nanguan tradition, Han-Tang Yuef also elaborated upon the Liyuan xi or "Musical Theatre of the Pear Orchard," a branch of southern music popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties (twelfth fourteenth centuries). Here in the telling of a tale, deeply introverted Nanguan music is wedded to highly refined songs and subtle modern movements inspired by the ancient tradition of Liyuan music. Establishing their "Liyuan Dance Studio," the troupe created programs of classical musicals that are traditional in spirit but contemporary in form. Expressing continuity in the ideal: "contemporary music is ancient music; ancient music is contemporary," it is hoped that such living traditions will firmly implant the music of the Han people on a global stage. It is their constant ideal and goal to "recreate tradition by being rooted in tradition."

DANCE TALKS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 / 6:00 - 8:00 PM

June Huang, cultural exchange producer and writer brings her knowledge of Taiwan art and culture to present a video and audio illustrated talk. "Dance Talks" are free and take place at Joyce SoHo (155 Mercer Street, between Houston and Prince). Reservations are required: 646-792-8377.

The Han Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble can be seen at The Joyce Theater for one week from November 3 - 8. Performances are Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday - Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm & 7:30pm. Dance Chat, a free post-performance talkback with the artists (formerly known as Humanities), will take place on Wednesday, November 4, and is open to all audience members attending that evening's performance. The Joyce has updated its pricing structure this season to help make dance even more accessible to a wider audience with tickets starting at $10 (for the front row) and ranging up to $49 (top price for Joyce Members is $37). Please note: Ticket prices are subject to change. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or online at www.Joyce.org. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street.

 

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