Center for Chinese Music and Culture (CCMC)
Past Events
Silk Washing Sand
Saturday, October 5th – 7:30 – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Livestream: http://www.youtube.com/@mtsuschoolofmusiclivestrea9436
Joy of Meeting
Friday, October 4th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Livestream: http://www.youtube.com/@mtsuschoolofmusiclivestrea9436
A Time of Beauty
Thursday, October 3rd – 4:00pm – CCMC
‘Boro International Fest
Sunday September 29th – 11:00-3:00pm – SU Commons
May 11th – Performance for the Global Education Center
Saturday, May 11th – 6 PM – Darkhorse Theater, Nashville
April 17th, 2024 – Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Wednesday, April 17th – 6 PM – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Improvisational fusion! Traditional poetry! Instrumental songs of the ancient past! The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble’s Spring Concert: Tapestry of Sound was on Wednesday, April 17th at 6 PM CST!
Enjoy traditional poetry sung by students as well as our special guest Zhang Jianhua, improvisational fusion, and traditional instrumental pieces!
April 5th – 7th, 2024 – String Band Music Summit
MTSU
After two successful years at ETSU, the String Band Summit came to MTSU for its third year, hosted by the Center for Popular Music in collaboration with MTSU’s Center for Chinese Music and Culture. The SBS is a gathering of musicians, scholars, students, and others interested in exploring the global phenomenon of string band music and sharing knowledge and cultural traditions. The event featured concerts, workshops, panel discussions, scholarly presentations, and more!
February 10th – March 2nd, 2024 – Brushing Beauty: Learn to Paint the Chinese Way
Every Saturday from February 10th to March 2nd – 2:00 PM – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
This was a series of hands-on workshops to discover the elegance of brush strokes, the harmony of ink and colors, and the rich cultural stories embedded in the Chinese fine arts.
February 11th, 2024 – Hearalding the Dragon: Celebration of the Lunar New Year
Sunday, February 11th – 3:00 PM – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Murfreesboro entered the Year of the Dragon at Middle Tennessee State University with a Lunar New Year musical celebration featuring visiting artists, the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, and the Middle Tennessee Mingzheng Chinese Music School.
January 27th, 2024 – College of Liberal Arts Celebration Concert
Saturday, January 27th – 7:30 PM – MTSU’s Tucker Theater
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble performed at the College of Liberal Arts’ Celebration of Arts event. This is the first time that the ensemble has been invited to perform alongside ensembles in the School of Music like the Steel Pan and Chamber Ensembles.
November 17th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble Fall Concert
Friday, November 17th – 6 PM – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
There is something special about the MTSU Chinese Ensemble’s semester concert, which will be performed at 6 pm at the MTSU School of Music Hinton Hall. For the first time, the Ensemble will premiere compositions by two of its members.
November 10th, 2023 – Visit from Lebanon Special School District
Friday, November 10th – MTSU’s Miller Education Center
We welcomed over 200 7th graders and their teachers from Lebanon Special School District to visit the MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture. This is by far the largest group of students visiting the Center since the year 2020. The students watched a mini concert of Chinese music and learned a bit of Chinese writings. They also had a discussion on China. It is great to see students enjoy the experience as It is part of the Center’s mission to support the TN students’ learning and provide them a window to explore the world.
October 21st, 2023 – MTSU Symphony Orchestra Concert – Guest Erhu Soloist: Xiaohui Ma
Saturday, October 21st – 8 PM – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
The Symphony Orchestra is the premiere orchestral ensemble of the MTSU School of Music. Repertoire is selected from masterpieces of the standard orchestral literature and outstanding contemporary compositions.
October 21st, 2023 – 2023 ‘Boro International Festival
Saturday, October 21st – 12:00 PM – Patterson Park
An event that brought together cultures from all across the world right into the heart of Murfreesboro with cultural events, booths from different countries, food vendors, and live music including a concert by the Chinese Music Ensemble.
October 17th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble Members on Tour to the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C.
Tuesday, October 17th – Chinese Embassy, Washington D.C.
On Oct. 17, Chinese Music Ensemble member Will Childress of Knoxville, Tennessee, who is pursuing a master’s degree in musicology, and biochemistry student Amy Brown of Spring Hill, Tennessee, flew with Dr. Han to Washington, D.C., to perform at a special cultural event hosted by the Chinese Embassy to celebrate American students learning about the Chinese language and culture.
Dr. Han said their performance received high praise from the Chinese ambassador and the audience and was also attended by MTSU Vice Provost for International Affairs Robert Summers.
October 16th – 17th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble on Tour to North Georgia University
Monday, October 16th – Tuesday, October 17th – North Georgia University
The ensemble performed for a packed house at the Gloria Shott Performance Hall at the University of North Georgia-Dahlonega. Under the direction of founder Dr. Mei Han, the ensemble’s program contained traditional, contemporary and cross-cultural compositions that drew a standing ovation, with MTSU Associate Vice Provost for International Affairs Rehab Ghazal also in attendance.
October 8th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble Pre-Tour Concert
Sunday, October 8th – 3 PM – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
The Chinese Music Ensemble performed their program for their tour to North Georgia University over MTSU’s Fall Break.
September 28th, 2023 – Romantic Moon
Thursday, September 28th – 4 PM – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
In Chinese culture, the moon is widely associated with different art forms, including poetry and painting. On Thursday, September 28th, at 4:00 PM at the Center for Chinese Music and Culture Dr. Tan Ye, a specialist in Chinese literature, theater, and film, discussed the symbolic meanings of the moon and the essential elements of Chinese art and literature in a free lecture open to the public.
April 29th, 2023 – “Chinese Cultural Connections” Concert for the Global Education Center
Saturday, April 29th – 7pm – Darkhorse Theatre, Nashville
A concert in partnership with the Global Education Center at Darkhorse Theatre in Nashville.
April 15th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble Joined Concert with Western Kentucky University Chinese Ensemble
Saturday, April 15th – 3pm – Western Kentucky University room FAC 0189
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, joined by the Western Kentucky Chinese Music Ensemble, performed its concert for the fall semester on Friday, April 15th at 3 pm in WKU’s room FAC 0189.
April 14th, 2023 – Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert: Sewn from the Mother Tune
Friday, April 14th – 8pm – School of Music Hinton Hall
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, joined by Wang Hong, performed its concert for the fall semester on Friday, April 14th at 8 pm in MTSU’s Hinton Hall.
April 7th, 2023 – Music for Hope: Wu Man’s Solo Concert
Friday, April 7th – 4pm – School of Music Hinton Hall
Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and leading ambassador of Chinese music, Wu Man has carved out a career as a soloist, educator, and composer giving her lute-like instrument—which has a history of over 2,000 years in China—a new role in both traditional and contemporary music. She has performed and recorded extensively with Kronos Quartet and Silk Road Ensemble, and has premiered works by Philip Class, Lou Harrison, Terry Riley, Tan Dun, Bright Sheng, Zhao Jiping, and Zhou Long, among many others. She has recorded and appeared on over 40 albums, five of which have been nominated for Grammy Awards. In 2013, she was named Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America, becoming the first performer of a non-Western instrument to receive this award. She also received The United States Artist’ Award in 2008.
March 23rd, 2023 – From Kowtowing to Handshaking: Confucian Ritual Propriety and Their Modern Applications
Distinquished Speaker: Dr. Zuyan Chen
Thursday, March 23rd – 2:40-4:00 pm – BAS S328
One of the most important phenomena that have changed the paradigm of the world since WWII is the powerful growth of many economies in East Asia. This trend started with the Japanese post-war economic miracle, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. China. What is the central driver in the “East Asian economic miracle?” What produces the underlying spirit for Asians to excel? In this lecture, Dr. Chen will discuss the legacy of Confucianism, its traditional forms, and its modern relevance.
Dr. Zu-yan Chen is a Professor of Chinese Literature at Binghamton University, State University of New York. He holds the rank of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor. His publications include seven books and many articles spanning the fields of literature, history, Confucianism, translation, and language pedagogy.
February 19, 2023 – Silk and Silver
Convergence of Colors and Cultures
Sunday, February 19th – 3pm – Hinton Hall
MTSU School of Music faculty members Drs. Deanna Little and Mei Han performed a cross-cultural concert. Feb. 19th, 3:00pm at Hinton Music Hall.
January 28, 2023 – Spring Dulcimer
Virtuosity Meets Romance
Saturday, January 28th – 8pm – Hinton Hall
Visiting scholar Luijing Liu and the Center for Chinese Music and Culture celebrated the Chinese New Year with lovely performances on the yangqin, the Chinese hammered dulcimer. Along with guest performers Andrea Dawson, Mei Han, and Alessandra Volpi, Liu performed both traditional and contemporary works for the yangqin in an amazing show to ring in the new year.
January 23, 2023 – Lunar New Year Performance at the Discovery Center
Monday, January 23rd – 4:30pm – The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
The Chinese Music Ensemble performed at the Discovery Center from 4 pm to 7 pm for their annual Lunar New Year free day.
November 18, 2022 – Chinese Music Ensemble Fall Concert
Friday, November 18th – 8pm – Hinton Hall
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, joined by the Western Kentucky Chinese Music Club, performed its concert for the fall semester on Friday, November 18th at 8 pm in MTSU’s Hinton Hall. This concert was part of MTSU’s International Education Week.
We performed a variety of traditional and contemporary Chinese compositions and a bluegrass piece.
October 22, 2022 – ‘Boro International Festival
Student Union Courtyard
An event that brought together cultures from all across the world right into the heart of Murfreesboro with cultural events, booths from different countries, food vendors, and live music including a concert by the Chinese Music Ensemble.
September 29 – October 1 2022 – Convergence – A Festival Exploring Cross-Cultural Compositions
CONVERGENCE was a three-day festival co-presented by Intersection and MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture that explores new sounds through cross-cultural compositions. The festival presents two concerts and a webinar workshop, featuring the zheng, a Chinese plucked long zither that has a history of over 2500 years. The guest performer, Dr. Haiqiong Deng, is one of the leading zheng artists known for her performance of challenging contemporary compositions. She joined Intersection musicians in performing two contemporary compositions written for her: Dots, Lines and Convergence, a zheng concerto written by Chihchung Chi-Sun Lee, and Moon Phase (world premiere) composed by Sun Yue.
The MTSU performance intigrated historic and cultural context into an academically influenced presentation, while the Nashville performance was designed for families and audiences of all ages including some hands-on activities. The concerts also included traditional works for zheng and other Chinese musical instruments.
PROGRAM
Chihchung Chi-Sun Lee – Dots, Lines and Convergence
Sun Yue – Moon Phase for Zheng and 5 instruments **WORLD PREMIERE
Additional Repertoire for Solo Qin, Yangqin, Zheng and Zheng duet
April 27, 2022 – Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Wednesday, April 27th – 5pm – Hinton Hall
A joint concert by Chinese music ensembles from MTSU and the University of North Texas.
April 9, 2022 – Chinese Music Ensemble Concert
Saturday, April 9th – 3pm – WKU Department of Music
MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble and WKU Chinese Music Club Joint Concert.
April 7, 2022 – Spectacle, Sound and Desire
Transpacific History of American Music
Thursday, April 7th – 4:30pm – BASS328
A lecture by Award-winning author and musicologist Dr. Nancy Yunwa Rao, whose work bridged musicology, music theory, Chinese opera and Sinophone studies. In this lecture, she discussed the networks and migrations that made Chinese opera a part of North American cultures, exploring issues of border crossing, visual emblems, and the sounding of identity.
February 16th, 2022 – Winds of Change
Wednesday, February 16th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
A concert of traditional and contemporary Korean music by Gamin, a master musician on Korean wind instruments. She was joined by percussionist Vong Pak and Lyujing Liu on Chinese hammer dulcimer.
November 22nd, 2021 – MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble Fall Concert
Monday, November 22nd – 6:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble semester concert in person and via MTSU School of Music online stream.
November 15th, 2021 – Center for Chinese Music and Culture Open House
Monday, November 15th – 4:00pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
As part of MTSU International Education Week, the CCMC opened its gallery of Chinese musical instruments to the public. We featured a performance by the MTSU’s Chinese Music Ensemble.
September 24th, 2021 – Musical Encounters Along the Silk Road: Concert of the Pipa and Oud
Friday, September 24th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Pipa virtuoso Gao Hong and oud master Issam Rafea blended musical cultures from China and Syria to create unique music that sounded both ancient and strikingly modern.
April 26th, 2021 – MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Monday, April 26th – 4:30pm – Online Event: Zoom
MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble performed traditional and contemporary Chinese music as well as compositions by MTSU students.
March 16th, 2021 – 120,000 Stories: Nobuko Miyamoto and Her Long Song of Relocation, Race, Love, and Revolution
Tuesday, March 16th – 2:00pm – Online Event: Zoom
Hearing directly from women of color is essential to understanding the history of women in the U.S. To celebrate National Women’s History Month, MTSU’s Center for Chinese Music and Culture, Center for Popular Music, and Center for Asian Studies co-presented 120,000 Stories: Nobuko Miyamoto and Her Long Song of Relocation, Race, Love, and Revolution. In this event, ethnomusicologist Deborah Wong engaged in conversation with Nobuko Miyamoto, a legendary figure in Asian American arts and culture. Her deeply personal account demonstrated self-determination through music and dance, offering strategies for allyship and coalition-building, even as a kind of radical – or revolutionary – dreaming.
February 12th, 2021 – Celebration of Chinese New Year
Friday, February 12th – 7:30pm – Online Event: Facebook Live
A special evening of music, dance, and martial arts in honor of Chinese New Year.
November 16th, 2020 – High Mountain, Flowing Water – Concert by Dr. Mei Han and the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble
Monday, November 16th – 6:00pm – Online Event: Zoom
November 13th, 2020 – Unity Through Diversity: Harmony in Metal, Stone, Silk, and Bamboo
Friday, November 13th – 6:00pm – Online Event
Lecture and Demonstration on Chinese music.
October 2nd, 2020 – Mid-Autumn Festival Concert
Friday, October 2nd – 7:00pm – Online Event: Facebook Live
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays in East Asia. The MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture premiered this video on Facebook, on October 2nd at 7 pm for a night of song, poetry, dance and music featuring MTSU music faculty, alumni, and guest artists.
September 8th, 2020 – Rutherford Arts Alliance Meeting Featuring the Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Tuesday, September 8th – 4:00pm – Online Event
The RAA’s online membership meeting on Tuesday, September 8 with Dr. Mei Han, Director of MTSU’s Center for Chinese Music and Culture. She shared some of the center’s instruments and play an instrument called the zheng, which is a Chinese long zither. She also spoke to us about the center’s history, collaborations with musicians, local schools and other community, and her weekly video series.
February 29th, 2020 – MTSU Symphony Orchestra Concert
Saturday, February 29th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
CCMC’s visiting scholar Jun Tian performed pipa concerto Reflections: Clouds and Blossoms 《云想 花想》by Wang Danhong with MTSU Symphony Orchestra.
December 4th, 2019 – MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble Fall Concert
Wednesday, December 4th – 7:00pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
The MTSU Student Chinese Ensemble performed their Winter concert on December 4th at 7:00 PM.
October 25, 2019 – The Melodious Art of Tea
Friday, October 25th – 7:00pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
The public was able to partake in the high art of drinking fine tea and listening to exquisite ancient Chinese music. This series of events was a collaboration between the CCMC and the newly opened tea shop in downtown Murfreesboro.
October 24, 2019 – The River as Song: A Music Diologue
Thursday, October 24th – 8:00pm – Analog at Hutton Hotel
This concert featured Su Yang, a multiple national award-winner from China, and Jim Lauderdale, two-time Grammy Award-winners based in Nashville. These two singer-songwriters shared their experiences as individuals, and together their music explored empathy, love, and humility.
October 23, 2019 – “The River in Me” Film Screening
Wednesday, October 23rd – 5:15pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Traversing 700,000 square kilometers over 700 days, the filmmakers bring the stories of five people who crisscross the Yellow River to perform their art. At the center of the web is Su Yang, a contemporary artist and musician heavily influenced by the traditional work of Qin Opera, Shadow Puppetry, Hua’er, and Shaanbei Storytelling, and his exchange with traditional practitioners.
October 2, 2019 – Music and Harmony: Confucius Day Celebration Concert
Wednesday, October 2nd – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Confucius (551-479 BCE) was a philosopher, educator, and musician. To celebrate Confucius Day, the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble performed a variety of traditional and contemporary compositions.
October 1, 2019 – Courtyard Concert: MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble
Tuesday, October 1st – 11:45am – Nashville Public Library
Led by Mei Han, Director of the MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture and an internationally renowned zheng virtuoso, the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble performed a concert of ancient and modern Chinese compositions. Their exotic music and enticing stories soothed the soul and stimulated the imagination.
September 26, 2019 – Chinese Chime Bell: Ritual Music in the Age of Confucius
Thursday, September 26th – 4:00pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
A lecture by Dr. Youping Li, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China, with live demonstration of bronze bells and stone chimes.
August 26 – September 16, 2019 – Neither East Nor West Art Exhibiton
Monday, August 26th – Monday, September 16th, 2019- MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
This exhibition showcased the blurring of these cultural lines manifest in the works of these award-winning Chinese contemporary artists. These are the works of a new culture, Neither East nor West. Confined by neither culture and supported by both, these Chinese artists feel free to follow their hearts.
April 27, 2019 – Winds from the East
Saturday, April 27th – 3:00pm – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Concert featuring Du Zhusong, visiting professor from Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, on Chinese wind instruments, including dizi, xiao( transverse and end-blown bamboo flutes), hulusi (free-reed gourd), xun (clay flute), and suona (double-reed horn), and guanzi (double reed pipe).
September 26, 2019 – Chinese Chime Bell: Ritual Music in the Age of Confucius
Thursday, September 26th – 4:00pm – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Lecture by Dr. Youping Li, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China (with live demonstration of bronze bells and stone chimes)
Bronze bells are Chinese musical instruments whose origins date to 4000 years ago. In ancient Chinese culture, bronze bells were the medium to harmonize heaven, earth, and humans. Playing the bells was essential for court and ritual music. Confucius believed that “right music” was able to regulate people’s behavior and harmonize society.
Dr. Youping Li is a leading Chinese music-archaeologist who has excavated more than a hundred sets of bronze bells. He was a visiting scholar at the University of Michigan and has given lectures on Chinese bell culture around the world. In this lecture, Dr. Li discusses the music and social meaning of Chinese chime bells in the age of Confucius.
September 26, 2019 – Chinese Chime Bell: Ritual Music in the Age of Confucius
Thursday, September 26th – 4:00pm – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Lecture by Dr. Youping Li, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China (with live demonstration of bronze bells and stone chimes)
Bronze bells are Chinese musical instruments whose origins date to 4000 years ago. In ancient Chinese culture, bronze bells were the medium to harmonize heaven, earth, and humans. Playing the bells was essential for court and ritual music. Confucius believed that “right music” was able to regulate people’s behavior and harmonize society.
Dr. Youping Li is a leading Chinese music-archaeologist who has excavated more than a hundred sets of bronze bells. He was a visiting scholar at the University of Michigan and has given lectures on Chinese bell culture around the world. In this lecture, Dr. Li discusses the music and social meaning of Chinese chime bells in the age of Confucius.
August 26-September 16, 2019 – Neither East Nor West: Art Exhibition
Monday, August 26th-Monday, September 16th – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
China is a nation that has undergone a huge industrial and cultural shift in the past 100 years. In the midst of globalization, individuals from different backgrounds and cultures share their experiences, lives, food, art, and music. What was known as “East” and “West” has blurred. Exchanging cultural practices, concepts, and ways of living are common.
Come view the blurring of these cultural lines manifest in the works of these award-winning Chinese contemporary artists. These are the works of a new culture, Neither East nor West. Confined by neither culture and supported by both, these Chinese artists feel free to follow their hearts.
April 12, 2019 – MTSU Chinese Ensemble Spring Concert
Friday, April 12th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
MTSU Chinese Ensemble performs a concert of Chinese traditional and contemporary compositions.
March 29, 2019 – The Airs of China: Elegant Poetry in Song
Friday, March 29th – 7:30pm – St. Paul Episcopal Church, 116 N Academy
This concert presents ancient Chinese sung poetry by a group of highly acclaimed singers and scholars from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Poetry is a treasure of Chinese civilization as the core of spiritual and emotional expression. Historically, especially during the Chinese Tang and Song dynasties (the 8th- 11th century), sung poetry was popular in the imperial court. The concert program includes poems written as early as the 6th century BCE.
March 12, 2019 – Mountain, Water, Sentiments- Lecture/ Performance on the Qin
Tuesday, March 12th – 5:00pm – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
A lecture/performance on the Chinese seven string qin (guqin) led by Haiqiong Deng, a master musician and Ph.D. candidate at Florida State U. Qin is regarded as an instrument for cultivating sentiment. The performance of qin and the development of aesthetics are deeply influenced by Taoist thought.
March 11-March 23, 2019 – Peace of Mind: Exhibit on the Art of the Chinese Qin
Monday, March 11th-Sunday, March 23rd – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
This exhibition focuses on the Chinese qin, a seven-string fretless zither, that was considered the highest form of music in China. The qin was studied and performed by literati for self-cultivation.
February 23, 2019 – Butterfly Lover’s Concerto feat. Wei Xiaodong with MTSU Symphony
Saturday, February 23rd – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
The Butterfly Lover’s concerto came to Murfreesboro! This classic Chinese musical tale of love and loss featured erhu virtuoso Wei Xiaodong performing with the MTSU Symphony Orchestra. An outstanding performer, Wei graduated from China’s leading music school, the Central Conservatory of Music. After coming to the U.S., she has worked as a soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and is an instructor at the University of Michigan.
February 23, 2019 – The Art of Harmony Workshop with Dr. Guanping Zheng
Saturday, February 23rd – 1:30pm – Center for the Arts
Confucius Institute director and Chinese brush painter Dr. Guanping Zheng lead a workshop on Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Explore the beauty and peace found in this ancient art form while being surrounded by masterpieces by Xie Weiqiang.
February 8-March 3, 2019 – Xie Weiqiang Art Exhibition
Friday, February 8th-Sunday, March 3rd – Center for the Arts
Exquisite classical Chinese paintings by renowned artist Xie Weiqiang of Hangzhou, China.
February 8, 2019 – Chinese New Year Celebration at Art Crawl
Friday, February 8th – 6:00pm – Downtown Square
This festive occasion celebrated the Lunar New Year. Dragon Dance, music, martial arts demonstrations, and lots of fun!
February 2, 2019 – Dong Women’s Choir from Southern China with MTSU Women’s Chorale
Saturday, February 2nd – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
One of the most unique singing on earth: the Grand Song of the Chinese Dong ethnic group, sung by the famous Dong singing group from Guizhou, China. Joined by the MTSU Women’s Chorale, they performed a variety of songs. The Grand Song is listed as the UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
February 2, 2019 – Symposium: Homecoming – Sights and Sounds of the Dong Poeple
Saturday, February 2nd – 2:00pm – Room 160, College of Education, MTSU
Film screening Homecoming: a story of a young Dong woman’s struggle in finding her cultural identity in the fast changing society. Discussions on preservation of Chinese traditional music with renowned Chinese ethnomusicologist, Dr. Xiao Mei of Shanghai Conservatory, the film maker Qiaoqiao Cheng, and Dr. Yang Xiao of Sichuan Conservatory of Music, and Dr. Han Mei, Director of the Center. Fenyun, who is featured in the film, and her group will be singing at the symposium.
November 22, 2018-January 6, 2019 – Heroes and Mythical Creatures of China: Children’s Picture Books
Thursday, November 22nd 2018-Sunday, January 6th 2019 – Nashville Public Library
A Monkey King with supernatural powers who liked to steal peaches; a monk who travel with a talking pig, orgre and son of a dragon; and a young woman who wears her father’s armor to replace him in the army are all characters found in famous Chinese stories. If the last one sounds familiar, Disney made it into a movie called Mulan! These and many other stories can be found at the Children’s Picture Books from China exhibition at the Nashville Library. A host of adventures with traditional and contemporary Chinese illustrations are available to stimulate and excite any young mind. With such amazing stories, who knew that history, classical literature, and fine art could be so much fun!
November 9, 2018 – Elegent Music from China – Traditional and Contemporary
Friday, November 9th – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
This concert was performed by MTSU’s Chinese ensemble that is comprised of yangqin, erhu, pipa, zheng, ruan, and dizi. The yangqin (Chinese hammer dulcimer) is performed by Prof. Jun Xie, associate professor of the Wuhan Conservatory of Music, who at the time was a visiting scholar at the MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture.
November 2, 2018 – Shaolin Martial Arts
Friday, November 2nd – 7:00pm – Volunteer State Community College
Shaolin Martial Arts group from Henan, China, the birth place of Shaolin Temple martial art.
October 26, 2018 – Free the Reed: Two Instruments. One Family.
Friday, October 26th – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Multi-Grammy winning master harmonica player Howard Levy and Chinese sheng virtuoso Hu Jianbing performed two historically connected free-reed instruments. Howard Levy is a founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and has performed with Paul Simon, Bobby McFerrin, and Dolly Parton. Jianbing Hu was a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and has performed in Carnegie hall, Lincoln Center, and many other prestigious concert halls. These two musical giants will be joined by MTSU music faculty members: Dr. Brian Mueller (percussion) and Patrice Atwater (double bass).
October 1, 2018 – China Impressions
Monday, October 1st – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
World renowned Classical guitarist Johannes Moller performed his arrangements of traditional Chinese music and his Chinese-inspired compositions. Moller is the 2010 winner of the most prestigious classical guitar contest: Guitar Foundation of America. He tours worldwide and is head of guitar studies at the Amsterdam Conservatory of Music. This unique concert showcased his soulful and emotional performance style.
September 26, 2018 – Tharlo Film Screening
Wednesday, September 26th – 6:00pm – MTSU Student Union Theater Room 208
The CCMC presented the Tibetan film Tharlo with an exclusive Q/A with the director and screenwriter Pema Tseden. The film explores Tibetan village life through the eyes of Tharlo, the village orphan now in his 40s. We watched his life transform in unexpected ways as he finds love for the first time. Tharlo is the “Grand Prize” winner at 16th Film Festival Tokyo Filmex and “Best Low Budget Feature” at the 2017 Golden Rooster awards.
August 27, 2018 – Concert of Chinese Music at School of Music, University of Tennessee
Monday, August 27th – 5:00pm (Eastern Time) – Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
Concert by Mei Han and MTSU Chinese Ensemble.
August 26, 2018 – The 5th Knoxville Asian Festival
Sunday, August 26th – 2:30pm (Eastern Time) – Downtown Knoxville and Market Square
MTSU Chinese Ensemble performed at the 5th Knox Asian Festival from 2:30-3:15 pm (Eastern Time).
August 18, 2018 – Open House
Saturday, August 18th – 10:00am – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
The MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture held an open house on August 18 (10 am-12 pm), 2018. The Center has a musical instrument gallery that holds more than 100 Chinese musical instruments, including a replica set of ancient bronze chime bells made in 433 BCE. During the open house, you are able to visit the gallery, to listen to lectures and demonstration on traditional Chinese musical instruments.
June 16-August 19, 2018 – Ancient Art of the Chinese Han Dynasty
Saturday, June 16th- Sunday, August 19th – Nashville Public Library
This concert program ranged from traditional Chinese to contemporary compositions that is performed on Chinese and Western instruments. The ensemble was comprised of professional musicians and MTSU students.
April 20, 2018 – MTSU Chinese Ensemble Spring Concert
Friday, April 20th – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
This concert program ranged from traditional Chinese to contemporary compositions that is performed on Chinese and Western instruments. The ensemble was comprised of professional musicians and MTSU students.
April 20, 2018 – MTSU Chinese Ensemble Spring Concert
Friday, April 20th – 7:30pm – Nashville Public Library
This concert program ranged from traditional Chinese to contemporary compositions that is performed on Chinese and Western instruments. The ensemble was comprised of professional musicians and MTSU students.
April 12-14, 2018 – Community of Many Faces
Thursday, April 12th-Saturday, April 14th – Nashville Public Library
Have your face painted just like a Beijing Opera performer? Come to the Nashville Public Library to learn about the many faces of Beijing Opera. Although the program is designed for children all age are welcome.
March 25, 2018 – Chinese Kunqu Opera Lecture and Performance
Sunday, March 25th – 11:00am – MTSU Business and Aerospace Buidling, STATE FARM ROOM
Kunqu dates back to the 16th century and is characterized by flashy costumes, precise flowing movements, and powerful storytelling. Most popular between the 16th and 18th centuries, Kunqu was being performed the same time William Shakespear’s plays were on stage in London. Similar to Shakespearean troubadours, Kunqu troupes traveled with few props, including long white sleeves called “water sleeves,” fans, or calligraphy brushes. Despite the small number of props, Kunqu repertoire varies from comedy, to tragedy, to historic reenactment. Today, Kunqu is considered the highest class of performance and is part of China’s cultural canon.
Joseph S.C. Lam, Keynote speaker of this event, is a professor of musicology in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan, and director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Michigan. Lam specializes in the musics and cultures of Southern Song (1127-1275), Ming (1368-1644), and modern China (1900 to present). Lam’s recent publications include Songdai yinyueshi lunwenji: lilun yu miaoshu/Historical Studies on Song Dynasty Music: Theories and Narratives (Shanghai: Shanghai Conservatory of Music Press, 2012); “‘Escorting Lady Jing Home’: A Journey of Chinese Gender, Opera, and Politics” (Yearbook for Traditional Music, 2014); “Ci Songs from the Song Dynasty: A Ménage à Trois of Lyrics, Music, and Performance.” Currently, he is preparing for publication a monograph entitled Kunqu, the Classical Opera of Globalized China.
Fan Cao is a senior studying at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts and majoring in Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera performance. Ms. Cao began to learn Beijing Opera when she was 10 years old and has had performances at the World Heritage Day in Beijing in 2017. She has also performed at Chinese traditional opera spring gala at China’s National Grand Theater in 2015.
Chen Rui is a Chinese actor with the Jiangsu Kunqu opera troupe who seeks to bring new life to classical Chinese opera, not only by performing them, but by reforming and presenting them to a variety of audiences. Chen was invited by the University of London and the SOAS to give a talk and performed Kunqu in 2014 and 2016. In 2016, Chen traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to give a lecture on Kunqu opera commemorating the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Xianzu and Shakespeare at the Gammelgaard Culture and Arts Exchange Center. He performed “The Startling Dream” and “Seeking the Portrait” from The Peony Pavilion and “Sweeping Pine Needles” from The Tale of the Pipa. In attendance were members from the cultural office of China’s embassy in Denmark and the Chinese Cultural Center of Copenhagen. Chen’s lectures and performances have been well received and covered by the Chinese Overseas Network and English news channel, China Central Television.
March 3, 2018 – Workshop on Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy
Saturday, March 3rd – 3:00pm – Center for the Arts
A workshop led by Dr. Guanping Zheng, a professor at MTSU Media Art Department who is known for Chinese brush painting, digital imaging, animation, and graphics. In this workshop, Dr. Zheng demonstrated and taught how to use brush on rice paper.
February 24, 2018 – MTSU Symphony Orchestra Concert Featuring Mei Han and Du Zhusong
Saturday, February 24th – 8:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
MTSU Symphony Orchestra concert featuring Mei Han (zheng, the Chinese long zither) and Du Zhusong (suona, Chinese double reed).
February 16, 2018 – Concert
Friday, February 16th – 7:30pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
The Zhejiang Conservatory of Music Traditional Chinese Orchestra is composed of award-winning faculty members and its outstanding students. On this Chinese New Year’s Day, The ZJCM brought traditional Chinese music from China’s east coast region right to our doorstep!
February 9, 2018 – Workshop: Jianhua Yang Art of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting
Friday, February 9th – 7:00pm – The Center for the Arts 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro
Dr. Yang, director of SCA institution of Qingdao University of Science and Technology, is a modern ink-painting artist best known for mixing Western modern art and Chinese traditional ink art. He will directed a family friendly hands-on workshop on Chinese calligraphy and Painting.
February 9, 2018 – Dragon Dance
Friday, February 9th – 6:00pm – Murfreesboro Town Center
Witness a Chinese tradition that dates back over a millennia! Talented performers from Memphis’ Confucius Institute performed the Dragon Dance in the Murfreesboro Town Center as part of the Murfreesboro Art Crawl. This tradition brings good luck to the community and is a celebration of the Chinese New Year.
February 1, 2018 – Bridging Cultures Through Language and Music
Tuesday, February 1st – 3:00pm – Andrew Woodfin Miller Education Center
Grammy-winning American songwriter, acclaimed banjo player, and activist, Ms. Washburn has an inseparable relationship with China. She speaks Chinese fluently and sings Chinese folk songs. In this lecture she talked about her inspiring life experience from learning a foreign language to discovering a whole new world.
January 30, 2018 – Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition
Tuesday, January 30th – 7:00pm – Center for the Arts
Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition was part of the first Murfreesboro Festival of Chinese Arts. The exhibition opened on Jan. 30th followed by a hands-on workshops on Chinese calligraphy and brush paining by Dr. Nan Liu.
December 4, 2017 – MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble Concert
Monday, December 4th – 6:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
November 11, 2017 – Chinese Music at the Boro International Festival
Saturday, November 11th – 10:00am – Cannonsburgh Village
‘Boro International Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee communities. The festival aims to bring people from multiple nationalities and cultures together to celebrate and appreciate the diversity of our community.
October 21, 2017 – Discovery in a Single Tone
Saturday, October 21st – 7:30pm – St. Paul’s Murfreesboro
A unique concert of Japanese ichigenkin (one string koto), shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and Chinese qin (7 string long zither), and xiao (bamboo flute) to exhibit the historical and aesthetic roots encompassing the essence of Daoist/Zen ideals.
September 22, 2017 – Pangea
A Musical Journey Through Time and Space
Friday, September 22nd – 8:00pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
Drawing from centuries of cultures migrating across the Silk Road, PANGEA weaves a rich musical tapestry derived from music traditions of Mongolia, China, Central Asia, and Europe. The deeply passionate vocals of guitarist Erkin Abdulla, highlighted by the multi-instrumentalist Hong Wang, dance over the lush soundscape of Albert Chang’s and keyboards, this is a concert demonstrates the potential of the human spirit and seek an inner harmony common to all.
August 27, 2017 – MTSU Chinese Ensemble Performing at the 4th KnoxAsian Festival
Sunday, August 27th – 1:15pm – Knoxville, TN
MTSU Chinese Ensemble are Du Zhusong (suona, double-reed horn), Liang Wei (erhu, 2-string fiddle), Lili He (pipa, 4-string lute), Mei Han (zheng, 21-string zither), Zini Wang (percussion). They performed exicting traditional and contemporary Chinese music.
May 26, 2017 – Panel Discussion
Teaching Chinese Music in American Higher Education Institutions
Friday, May 26th – 10:00am – MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
April 10, 2017 – Concert
Monday, April 10th – 10:00am – Leu Center for Visual Arts
World renowned Chinese musicians performed a concert of Chinese traditional music at Belmont University.
April 9, 2017 – MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble Spring Concert
Sunday, April 9th – 3:00pm – MTSU’s Hinton Hall
Chinese Music Ensemble’s Spring concert. The program included traditional and contemporary Chinese music as well as jazz influenced composition.
April 3, 2017 – Concert with MTSU Women’s Chorale
Monday, April 3rd – 7:30pm – Immanuel Baptist Chruch, Nashville
The first collaboration between MTSU Women’s Choral (under the direction of Professor Angela Tipps) and the Center for Chinese Music and Culture. The event was presented by the American Guild of Organists.
February 25, 2017 – Chinese Master Musicians with MTSU Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, February 25th – 8:00pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
Visiting professor Ji Jie (jinghu-fiddle) and Li Zengguang (dizi-bamboo flute) are featured soloists performing with MTSU Symphony Orchestra.
February 12, 2017 – 龙音怡韵 Dragon Harmony
Sunday, February 12th – 1:00pm – MTSU Miller Education Center Atrium
CCMC joined Intersection Music in this family concert exploring the music of China featuring a combination of Chinese instruments and Western instruments. The program highlited works by distinguished Chinese/American composers Zhou Long and Chen Yi, Wu Fei (world premiere), and Randy Raine-Reusch & Mei Han.
February 11, 2017 – Dragon Harmony
Saturday, February 11th – 2:00pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
CCMC joined Intersection Music in this family concert exploring the music of China featuring a combination of Chinese instruments and Western instruments. The program highlited works by distinguished Chinese/American composers Zhou Long and Chen Yi, Wu Fei (world premiere), and Randy Raine-Reusch & Mei Han.
January 27, 2017 – Hammer Time! Dueling Dulcimers China vs. Appalachians
Friday, January 27th – 7:30pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
Sparks flew when Chinese yangqin (hammer dulcimer) master Yuening Liu, met her American counterpart, US national champion David Mahler in this first collaboration between Chinese and American hammer dulcimer vertuosi. Dr. Liu is a professor of the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing and Sino-America Fullbright Research Scholar. David Mahler is a Nashville based composer and multi-instrumentalist. Together they will showcse hammer dulcimer music around the world. Joined the performance are: Mi Xuanye (yangqin), graduate student from the Central Conservatory, Dong Nan (pipa), professor of China Conservatory of Music, and Mei Han (zheng), director of MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture.
December 2, 2016 – MTSU Chinese Ensemble Inaugural concert
Friday, December 2nd – 3:00pm – Center for Chinese Music and Culture
The inaugural performance of MTSU’s Chinese Music Ensemble!
On Friday 3pm December 2nd, the members of MTSU Chinese Ensemble showcased their new musical skills. Their teachers, masters musicians from Beijing also performed a selection of Chinese traditional repertoire.
October 22, 2016 – Concert of Chinese Music and Beijing Opera
Saturday, October 22nd – 2:30pm – Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s Curb Education Hall Nashville
The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble performed at the Nashville Symphony Orchestra’s Free Day of Music.
October 14, 2016 – Concert of Chinese Music and Beijing Opera
Friday, October 14th – 7:30pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
Performance of Beijing Opera, Silk Bamboo Music (traditional genre) and contemporary compositions for Chinese instruments.
October 13, 2016 – Beijing Opera Workshop
Thursday, October 13th – 4:30pm – MTSU Saunders Fine Arts
The Beijing Opera workshop is conduced by a group of professors/performers from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Art. The workshop featurs Beijing Opera history, performance style, and face painting.
September 21, 2016 – Confucius Day Concert
Wednesday, September 21st – 7:30pm – MTSU Hinton Hall
Join the Center for Chinese Music and Celebrate Coufucius Day. Enjoy Chinese music, dance, and poetry. Musicians: Jie Ji: erhu (2-string fiddle), Zengguang Li: dizi and xiao (bamboo flutes), Xuanye Mi: yangqin (hammer dulcimer), and Dr. Mei Han zheng (21-string long zither). Dancers: Roxanne Crew, Jen-Jen Lin and Nashville Chinese Cultural Club. Poetry reading: Taffy Xu
September 10, 2016 – 2016 ‘Boro International Festival
Saturday, September 10th, 2016
June 30, 2016 – Cheekwood Chinese Music and Dance Performance
Thursday, June 30th, 2016
March 17, 2016 – Grand Opening of the MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture
Thursday, March 17th, 2016
Contact:
Dr. Mei Han
ccmc@mtsu.edu
615-904-8121
Hours:
Fall Semester 2024: Weekdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm or by Appointment.
Physical location:
503A Bell Street, Suite 1600, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Andrew Woodfin Miller, Sr. Education Center
Mailing address:
MTSU Box 168
1301 E Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132-0001