Patty Chan: Erhu
In this conversation with Patty Chan, erhu player and educator, we get to hear the sounds of many different types of erhus and learn a lot about traditional Chinese music. Patty is the author of the first English-language guide to learning the erhu: Bridging the Gap. She plays The River of Sorrow and other well-known Chinese tunes, while demonstrating the differences between different types of erhus. In separate bonus episodes, she improvises with me, tells a charming story of her youth, and is also featured in Inspiring Excerpts series of short promotional episodes, all linked below.
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Video Improv Podcast Improv Patty and Leah
Video Inspiring Excerpts Podcast Inspiring Excerpts Video Bonus Story
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Patty Chan: “Initially, it was bringing music back from Asia and trying to play the music here, but then gradually I thought we're in Canada. Why not try to encourage Canadian composers to write for these instruments and for the orchestra and see how we can develop our own identity? And I think that has possibly captured the attention of some people in China and Asia where they think you have your own music. Well, that's interesting. Let's hear what the music is like. And so I think that's really important for us to continue developing in North America, not just always rely on Asia.”
Patty’s Projects: Centre for Music Innovations Patty Chan YouTube Toronto Chinese Orchestra
