Exotic Flavors featuring Karen Han and the Erhu

THE SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS & LYRICISTS presents the continuing Seminar Series EXOTIC FLAVORS: A Practical Guide to Writing for Ethnic Instruments.

Through performance and discussion, this seminar will feature the unique instrumental mastery of KAREN HAN on the ERHU and related instruments.

The Erhu is an ancient Asian instrument, introduced to China during the Han Dynasty (Ca.140 B.C.) With its mellow and bright tone, uniquely designed with only two strings, the Erhu is one of the most popular instrument in Asia for both solo and orchestral performances.

Please join us for a fascinating evening of music as we explore the amazing Erhu and several related instruments with detailed explanations of the tunings, performance techniques, and notation. Learn about the unique sounds that can expand your own musical palette.

Karen Han is recognized by audiences around the world for her mastery of the Erhu with a diverse repertoire from Western Classical to Jazz. She was the first Erhu soloist to collaborate with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra as well as the London Royal Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Paris Opera Orchestra, Columbus Symphony, New York Pops Orchestra and others. In addition to classical music performances, Ms. Han plays regularly with the famous jazz band – Hiroshima, and the Asian Wind Ensemble, performing at Carnegie Hall in March 2005.

As a soloist, Ms. Han has performed on the Erhu on numerous film scores, including the Oscar-winning score THE LAST EMPEROR, the Oscar-nominated score THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, ANNA AND THE KING, THE JOY LUCK CLUB, MULAN II, as well as for John Williams for his recent score, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. Ms. Han has also appeared on many national television and radio programs.

Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Han currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Claremont School of Music, she is the Music Director of the Hollywood Chinese Musicians Ensemble, the Founder of the Chinese String Instrument Institute, and she teaches privately. For more details, please visit: http://www.karenhan.com

The SCL gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of our SCL Members, along with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.