Chinese Music Ensemble at UCLA

The Chinese Music Ensemble at UCLA, based in Los Angeles, CA, offers comprehensive performance opportunities in traditional Chinese music for both beginners and experienced musicians. Under the direction of Professor Chi Li, a highly accomplished erhu performer and educator, the ensemble features over 20 different traditional Chinese instruments including the bowed erhu, plucked pipa, zheng zither, and traditional wind instruments. The ensemble specializes in diverse musical genres and styles, performing arias from Kun opera, silk-and-bamboo music from the Shanghai area, folk dances for festive celebration, zheng zither music in the Keijia style from Canton Province, and modern compositions for traditional Chinese ensembles. Each year, over 100 UCLA students from all departments participate in the ensemble's rigorous performance programs. The organization provides structured learning through multiple specialized programs including Ensemble, Zheng, Kunqu Opera, and Qin instruction. Students benefit from performances at prestigious venues and collaboration with guest artists, with the ensemble maintaining a commitment to musical excellence and cultural authenticity. Located in Los Angeles, the Chinese Music Ensemble at UCLA serves as a cultural bridge within the UCLA community and the greater Los Angeles region, promoting appreciation and understanding of Chinese musical heritage through regular concerts and performances. The ensemble's dedication to accessibility ensures that students at all skill levels can engage with traditional Chinese music performance and deepen their musical knowledge under expert guidance.