Chinese Fine Arts Society Young Artists Ensemble

The Chinese Fine Arts Society Young Artists Ensemble in music by Chinese composers and also original music by the students inspired by Chinese traditional music. The ensemble was formed to represent the Chinese Fine Arts Society at cultural events around Chicago, and 4 of the students met at the Xilin North Shore Chinese School.'

We heard some fantastic original compositions by cellist James Stinehart and violinist Ari Fisher, in addition to some more traditional Chinese music.

The Yu Bei Ballade by Wen Jin Liu and performed by Mimi Liu on piano and Ari Fisher on violin was also adapted by Ari from the Erhu for violin! As we discussed on the program, Ari learned about the piece from Mimi, and then watched the below YouTube video to transcribe it. You can compare both versions below:

Original YouTube video of The Yu Bei Ballade:


Ari's Adaption:


Download MP3 (right click and "save link as" to download)

Here's a video of the same ballade but from a different performance:


The other more-traditional Chinese work we heard was Red Flowers Blooming All Over the Mountain for solo piano performed by Mimi Liu:


Download MP3 (right click and "save link as" to download)

Listen to the full Introductions program here:


Download MP3 (right click and "save link as" to download)

Program:

String Quartet No. 2 in E Major by James Stinehart

Ari Fisher, violin
Shannon He, violin
Connie Gong, viola
James Sinehart, cello

String Quartet No. 3 in f minor by James Stinehart

Ari Fisher, violin
Shannon He, violin
Connie Gong, viola
James Stinehart, celle

Red Flowers Blooming All Over the Mountain by Wang Jian Zhong

Mimi Liu, piano

The Yu Bei Ballade by Wen Jin Liu, adapted by Ari Fisher

Ari Fisher, violin
Mimi Liu, piano

Summer Breeze by James Stinehart

James Stinehart, cello
Mimi Liu, piano

An American in China by Ari Fisher

Ari Fisher, violin
James Stinehart, cello
Mimi Liu, piano

Biography:

The CFAS members have recently gotten together to represent the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and since then, have performed numerous times, including the Evanston Arts Festival and at the Community Cultural Centers. The members have been lifelong friends and also happen to be classmates at school and at their Chinese School. The ensemble is comprised of several winners of the Music Festival in Honor of Confucius from past years. The members include: Cellist – James Stinehart; Pianist – Mimi Liu; Violist – Connie Gong, and Violinists – Ari Fisher and Shannon He. All of the members have received state-wide honors in various music competitions. James Stinehart and Ari Fisher are the composers of the group. Not only have they composed for this program, they are also working on composing for a play “Spring Comes to the Kiang Si Mountains” written by Mike Brayndick. Scheduled upcoming events include performing downtown Evanston, at the King Home on December 29th and many others in the planning. The group hopes that their future plans may include continuing to endorse the musical world as well as to attempt other fundraising events for the Chinese Fine Arts Society.
Brief Introduction of CFAS

The Chinese Fine Arts Society (CFAS) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization incorporated in the State of Illinois in the United States. Founded in 1984, CFAS is dedicated to the education and promotion of the Chinese arts. In a culturally diverse society such as Chicago, CFAS provides programs and activities that promote the understanding of Chinese culture through music and other fine arts. Our mission is summarized in our 3-D principles: ( 1 ) To Discover Chinese music and its cultural significance; ( 2 ) To Develop interest in performing and studying Chinese music and arts; ( 3 ) To foster success in these artistic endeavors through Determination and Discipline.

For more information: www.chinesefinearts.org