'Pipa' player, Min Xiao-Fen

‘Chinese Lute’ will be a mix of Chinese traditional music, American jazz and original compositions

The last time a pipa concert took place at the Chapel of Our Lady Restoration, the organizers were worried about turnout.  They needed have — the place was packed and the reception more than enthusiastic.  So much so that Min Xiao-Fen, who performed last year as part of the Blue Pipa Trio is returning to the Chapel on Sunday, July 17, at 4 p.m. as soloist, in a free concert. Her program, on this instrument sometimes dubbed the “Chinese Lute,” will be a mix of Chinese traditional music, American jazz and original compositions.        
       Min, whom The New York Times has called “a pipa player like no other,” evokes a range of effects, whether stirring martial music or lyrical landscape. Since her move to the United States in 1992, Min has been featured soloist with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and other orchestras here and in Europe, including Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Amiens Chamber Orchestra in France and Nieuw Ensemble in Holland. She has also performed at Lincoln Center Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Vienna and Geneva music festivals, Utrecht International Lute Festival and Berlin Chinese Music Festival, to name a few. After an appearance on singer Bjí¶rk’s album, Volta, she was invited to perform as her special guest at Madison Square Garden and Radio City. She was also the first Chinese musician invited by Jazz at Lincoln Center to play a solo set of Thelonious Monk. Min began her career as distinguished soloist with Nanjing Traditional Music Orchestra.
       The Chapel is at 45 Market Street, and free parking is available on Sunday at the adjacent Metro-North Station. The series is made possible, in part, with state and county public funds from the Artslink program, which in Putnam County is administered by the Putnam Arts Council. Contributions are welcome.

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