Gao Hong, Director of the Chinese Music Ensemble
The Carleton Chinese Music Ensemble
The Carleton Chinese Music Ensemble (MUSE 188) was established by Gao Hong in 2005. It is a group of 15-20 students who perform on both traditional Chinese and western instruments. The ensemble plays both traditional Chinese music repertoire as well as new compositions – often composed by Gao Hong – and other non-western traditional music.
The Carleton Chinese Ensemble performs several concerts each term and rehearses Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 PM.
Interested Students
The ensemble welcomes students with a wide range of abilities on both western and Chinese music instruments. Interested students (as well as prospective students) may contact Gao Hong for more information. New students should also fill out Carleton’s Music Interest Form to let the department know about all of your musical interests.
Ensemble Highlights
The Carleton Chinese Music Ensemble has performed at numerous notable venues and events. It has been featured nationwide on American Public Media’s “Performance Today,” ensemble members have performed pre-concerts for the Minnesota Orchestra on Peavey Plaza and in Orchestra Hall’s Target Atrium, and in August and September 2023, the Ensemble, along with CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, represented China at two prestigious UNESCO-sponsored festivals in Zaragoza and Ronda, Spain. In July 2024, they received the “International Cultural Role Model” award from the United Nations World Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Foundation.
Ensemble FAQs
Course Number MUSE 188, Carleton Chinese Ensemble
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 PM
Audition Information Page
Director
Gao Hong
Director of the Chinese Music Ensemble and Senior Lecturer in Chinese Musical Instruments, Gao Hong, is a Chinese pipa player and composer who began her career as a professional musician at age 12. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Learn more about Gao on her personal website.