George Gao Ensembles

George Gao Ensemble

The George Gao Ensemble is one of the most celebrated fusion ensembles in Canada, musicians include erhu master George Gao, vocalist Jenny Zhang, guitarist/composer Bill Bridges and bassist Lew Mele

George Gao and Jenny Zhang

The romance of the loving couple George and Jenny was sparked by music. After many years, music is still the center of their lives, now, with the addition of their son Kevin, music is even more important since Kevin can not sleep without music. The couple have always performed together since first they met, Jenny has been the stimula of George's passion for pop music, with the upcoming pop album "Heaven on Earth", George and Jenny Duo is expected to perform extensively though out the world.

Traditional Chinese Ensembles

George Gao Chinese Ensemble is one of the most celebrated traditional Chinese music ensembles in Canada. Over the years, the ensemble has performed worldwide and highly received my it's audiences. Currently the members of the ensemble include George Gao (erhu and bowed stings), Lin Zhang (yangqing and percussions), Yongli Xue (zheng), Jenny Zhang (vocal and percussions), Wen Zhao (pipa and plucked strings), Yucheng Zhang (dizi and wind instruments).

Here is a letter from Shirley Elias, the Executive Director of Debut Atlantic, about the tour that George Gao, Jenny Zhang and Lin Zhang did in 2003:

"Audiences, in all of the centers, were absolutely thrilled and delighted with George's concert. All three of the artists are wonderful talents and each has a unique and charming personality. This is probably one of the best received tours that Debut Atlantic has ever produced. We extend our thanks and congratulations to the artists for their fabulous performances." Click here for a video demo of the trio. Click here to watch other video clips of the ensemble.

Momento

George Gao and renowed Canadian masters from different world music background came together and formed this group in 2001 and toured the Far East extensively. The key members of the ensemble is George Gao (erhu) and Jenny Zhang (vocal) , Donald Quan (piano), Ron Korb (flutes), Rick Lazar (world music percussions), Ban Riley (drums) and Steve Lucas (bass).

The Silk Orchestra

Pat Clemence, a wonderful French Canadian composer put this ensemble together, the key members are Pat Clemence (composer/keyboard), George Gao (erhu), Ron Korb (flutes), France Gauthier (voice), and Peter Mosley (percussion). Here is "The Silk Orchestra"

Jenny Zhang

Jenny Zhang, the beautiful, talented Chinese Canadian singing sensation, has won numerous singing awards in China and toured extensively. After emigrating to Canada, she has been invited to perform in concerts and festivals in many cities such as Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Quebec, St. John and Toronto. Internationally, she performs regulary in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, United States, etc. Combining a mellow maturity with a sense of spontaneity that is both sweet and mellifluous, Jenny's richly colourful singing style is loved by her audiences. Backed by her expertise of Chinese music combined with never ending quest of learning new styles, she has developed her own style of singing of which is so emotional, dramatic and characteristic. Jenny has recorded many sound tracks including "Landing", "Yellow wedding". In 1997, she was invited as a featured star performing for the Chinese International New Talent Competition, later she also adjudicated this competition. Jenny also was featured in commercials for Ford Canada, Bell Mobility, PnG Taiwan, etc.

Yong Li Xue

Xue Yongli is an acclaimed zheng virtuoso who comes from China's ancient capital of Xi'an. She began her study of the instrument at the age of four and at 14 was accepted in the prestigious Xi'an Art School. At the school she studied under the great zheng master and composer Professor Zhou Yan Jia who is the most famous teacher of the zheng in China. As she learned and improved her craft Ms. Xue won special recognition for her playing. After she graduated, Ms. Xue was asked to join the Yi Su She opera company, one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in China.
The Yi Su She opera company traces its roots to the Qin kingdom and is dedicated to the preservation of a musical art form that predates the formation of China in 221 BC.
During her time with the opera company Ms. Xue began to learn about the numerous forms of Chinese music and began to incorporate various elements into her own performance style. As a member of the company she recorded numerous albums and film scores and formed a number of small chamber groups that performed at various luxury hotels in Xi'an. Because Xi'an is the ancient capital of China and has many important historical sites it is a major destination for international political and business leaders. As a well-known artist Ms. Xue was regularly asked to perform for the various dignitaries that were in the city. She has played privately for numerous Kings, Prime Ministers and Presidents as well as the Boards of Directors for a number of international corporations.

Wendy Zhao

Zhao is an internationally acclaimed Pipa and Ruan virtuoso. Her musical influence are in both Canada and England. She combines eastern musical tradition with western classical to perform in different styles. Due to her versatility and creativity, She is also an inspiring leader offering workshops both for children and adults. Recently she was invited as a Pipa tutor in the Music Department of York University, Toronto.

Wendy was born in Beijing and learned to play Pipa at the age of seven. Soon she joined the China Children's Orchestra of National Music and started her performing career. In 1985, she won the first-prize at Youth National Instrument Competition in China. Four years later she graduated with honor from the Music Department of Beijing Normal University where she studied under the most famous Pipa master-Wang FanDi.

Since 1990 she started her international career and studied Music Education at Goldsmith's College, University of London. She soon became the first qualified Chinese music instructor in UK. Since then she has been involved in various performances and teaching in England and Europe for seven years. She has lived in Toronto since 1997, while continuing to pursue her career on the world music stage.
For the past years, She has appeared at major ethnic music festivals in many countries, including Switzerland, France, UK, Canada and United States, and has given solo performances and workshops across UK. Especially, she has performed with Grand Union Orchestra in London and Tafelmusik-Baroque Orchestra in Toronto. These concerts deeply impressed the audience and were highly acclaimed by the media such as BBC TV and CBC Radio.

Lin Zhang

Lin Zhang began playing the yang-qin at the age of five. Six years later he attended the Folk Instrument Faculty of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and went on to study at Tokyo University for the Arts. In 1993 his solo recording with Sony was hailed as outstanding by Stereo magazine.