Gao is musical ambassador between China and U.S.
Xiang Gao, fourth from left, performed in Washington, D.C., at the request of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States.
Gao shared the stage with famed opera singer Jessye Norman.
The University of Delaware Chorale at the Great Wall.
Gao, back row at right, with alumni on a recent trip to China.
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8:28 a.m., Sept. 28, 2009----University of Delaware violinist Xiang Gao is a musical ambassador between his native China and his adopted country, using the international language of music to bring people together. “Music is a powerful tool to reach out and bridge cultural differences,” Gao said.

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This has been an event-packed year for Gao and he has been crisscrossing the Pacific and the country performing at a variety of musical venues.

In March, his ensemble China Magpie, a renowned cross-over ensemble that plays and mixes different styles of music, was featured at the International Martial Art Festival opening ceremony in Hubei, China. The outdoor rock and roll festival before an audience of 20,000 was broadcast on Chinese national television, and the opening, featuring music, dance, gymnasts and fireworks, was spectacular.

In April, Gao was the solo guest artist at an opening concert at the U.S. National Chinese Language Conference in Chicago before an audience including Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman Jr. and the president of the College Board, Gaston Caperton.

That same month, Gao was asked by Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong, to perform at a concert in Washington, D.C., welcoming the vice president of China, Liu YanDong, who oversees education and arts development. Two UD students, violinist Duo Shen and pianist Xing Chen, joined Gao at the concert.

Gao again crossed the Pacific to Hong Kong in late April to perform as featured soloist at the Hong Kong Club, returning to the U.S. to perform as an honored alumnus at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, sharing the stage with famous opera singer, Jessye Norman.

This summer marked the release of the sound track of the renowned film Ashes of Time, featuring solo violin music by Gao and recorded in Beijing by Sony Music Entertainment China.

In June, the UD Chorale under the direction of Paul Head, chairperson of the UD Department of Music, performed at three leading Chinese universities. Gao helped organize the chorale's Chinese trip. “It was an amazing experience for everyone,” he said. “The UD students shared the stage with Chinese students, and they sang such songs as 'Danny Boy' together. When the UD Chorale sang 'Usuli Boat' in Mandarin Chinese, it brought the house down at all three concerts.”

The chorale joined members of the UD alumni tour, which had arrived that day, and it was a memorable event, Gao said.

This was the fourth trip for alumni, faculty and friends of UD, led by Gao and his wife, Renee Dong, an instructor of Chinese in UD's Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures department.

Joan del Fattore, UD professor of English, was on the tour and
said, “It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Another China trip is planned for next year, and the application deadline is Dec. 15. For information, go to the UD Connection China trip Web page.

This fall the University community and the community at-large will have an opportunity to hear Gao play.

Gao, who is artistic director of the UD Master Players Concert Series, will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, and at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Gore Recital Hall of the Roselle Center for the Arts.

Next spring, there will be a celebration of Earth Day, iMusic lll-Xiang Gao and Friends, with concerts at 8 p.m., April 16 and 17, in Mitchell Hall. This multimedia pops concert is always a sell out, and has received support from the State of Delaware Division of the Arts. For more information on the UD Master Players Concert Series, visit the Web site or call (302) 831-1527.

For more information on Xiang Gao's musical career, go to his Web site.

Article by Sue Moncure
Images courtesy Xiang Gao

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