Today we’d like to introduce you to Tai-Chun Pan.
Tai-Chun, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble, originally founded by members and friends of the Chinese Music Ensemble of Boston, officially joined the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association in 1984. The GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble was initially located at the Weston GBCCA Activity Center, and has since moved to its new home at the Newton Chinese Cultural Center, consists of extremely dedicated members who are undoubtedly Chinese music enthusiasts. Ensemble members have been rehearsing regularly in this space for the past 34 years, and it has been a long and arduous road to music-making and sharing their passion with the general public. Thanks to the members’ perseverance and enthusiasm, the Ensemble has progressed considerably and matured steadily.
Today, it is comprised of more than 30 musicians. Furthermore, the Ensemble has, over the years, assembled a variety of instruments, and is now able to boast a near-complete set of Chinese musical instruments: bamboo winds, bowed strings, plucked strings, and percussion. In fact, this extensive collection has allowed the Ensemble to select more difficult and challenging performance pieces in recent years, which has yielded great feedback from audiences.
As the GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble few and matured, it was recognized that there was a growing interest in traditional Chinese music among younger musicians. Based on this interest, the Youth Chinese Music Ensemble was established in 2000, selecting its members through an annual auditions process. As one of the first youth ensembles for Chinese music in the US, it provides an opportunity for young musicians to practice and perform as a group, and allows them to improve their solo performance abilities.
Fortunately, the group has been blessed to be affiliated with invaluable teachers for the various instruments, who have helped train and nurture the young musicians of the Youth Ensemble. Through their tireless efforts and persistent training, these teachers have guided the young musicians to hone their skills over the years. Many of the young musicians have become fine soloists, and some of them have even extended their passion for Chinese music by forming their own Chinese music ensemble in college!
To share their music with audiences, the Ensembles hold a joint annual concert in the spring each year, and additionally put on a selective Soloists’ Recital. Further performance appearances by Ensemble members include various venues, including TD Garden (Boston Celtics game), Boston First Night, Carnegie Hall, Peabody Essex Museum, Dragon Boat Festival, and libraries throughout New England. In addition, the Ensemble often hosts visiting Chinese musicians and groups in special performances or seminars.
For a performing group, the behind-the-scenes support is just as important as the performers on stage. The Chinese Music Ensemble and the Youth Ensemble would not have succeeded and flourished without the diligent efforts of the members and the constant involvement of the parents. The unwavering support and encouragement from audiences has always been an inspiration for the Ensembles to strive for greater excellence.
Last but not least, at the heart of an ensemble is its conductor, and heartfelt thanks goes out to all the conductors for the past 34 years. Special gratitude is bestowed upon the current conductor, Dr. Chi-Sun Chan, for his continuous pursuit of the highest quality music and for pushing all members of the Ensembles towards the same lofty goal. He has guided the Ensembles towards constant improvement for the past 16 years, helping the Ensembles improve their overall performance skills and earn great respect and appreciation.
Has it been a smooth road?
Thirty-four years ago, perhaps only a handful of folks in the Greater Boston Area had heard traditional Chinese music. Today, music halls where the GBCCA Ensembles perform are easily filled to capacity when such performances take place. I am elated to see this ever-growing appreciation of Chinese music among the American public.
A central goal of the GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble is to promote Chinese music literacy and appreciation among the Chinese ethnic population, as well as the general American public. In working towards this goal, the Ensemble regularly holds large-scale free concerts, hosts visiting musicians, and performs at various events all over New England. Supporting these activities through fundraising is a constant undertaking, and the Ensemble has achieved many accomplishments since its inception thanks to hard work and dedication from its members.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Ensemble goals and objectives are as follows:
– To enhance the appreciation of Chinese classical and folk music and to promote Chinese music literacy among the Chinese ethnic population, as well as the general American public.
– To foster the learning of Chinese classical and folk music and musical instruments from members of the Association.
– To participate in the performance of Chinese classical and folk music in cultural and educational settings.
– To host visiting Chinese musicians and music groups in their endeavor to bring Chinese classical and folk music to the American public, particularly those in the New England area.
We are one of the first Chinese music ensemble outside of Boston Chinatown to rehearse and perform regularly. The Ensemble hosts a free annual concert to offer the general public a chance to learn and enjoy Chinese music, while providing members an opportunity to improve and showcase their talents.
The creation of Youth Chinese Music Ensemble in 2000 is one thing that we most proud of. As one of the first youth ensembles for Chinese music in the US, the Youth Ensemble provides an opportunity for young musicians to practice and perform as a group, as well as to allow them to improve their solo performance ability. Overwhelming interest in the Youth Ensemble continues to grow, as evidenced by the exceptional talent that presents to audition for the group each year.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love the rich history of Boston and the various opportunities for cultural exchange – it is amazing when the GBCCA Chinese Music Ensemble performs at events, such as Boston’s First Night, alongside Irish step dancers, puppet theater, or live improv.
As for what we like least – we could do without the bitter cold snaps and vehicle-burying levels of snowfall that occasionally befall the city.
Contact Info:
- Address: 127 Elsinore st.
Concord, MA. 01742 - Website: ChineseMusicEnsemble.com
- Phone: 978-369-6656
- Email: taichunpan@hotmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GbccaChineseMusicEnsemble/
Image Credit:
Chi-Sun Chan
Benjamin Cheung
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
