An evening of genre-blurring duets featuring pipa master Min Xiao-Fen and renowned percussionist River Guerguerian. Performing together for the first time, these internationally acclaimed musicians forge fresh pathways of cross-cultural expression by using traditional instruments to create exotic new sounds.

Few artists have done more to both honor and reinvent the 2000-year history of the pipa than soloist, vocalist and composer Min Xiao-Fen. Classically trained in her native China, Min was an in-demand interpreter of traditional music before relocating to the United States and forging a new path for her instrument alongside many of the leading lights in modern jazz, free improvisation, experimental and contemporary classical music. JazzTimes lauded her as “a pioneer in integrating her ancient instrument with modern jazz and improvised music.” while The New York Times raved that her singular work “has traversed a sweeping musical odyssey.”

Multi-percussionist, composer and educator River Guerguerian has been inspiring audiences with his colorful and innovative percussion for over thirty years. Whether collaborating with world-class artists, supporting symphonies or creating his own dynamic explorations of rhythm, River’s devotion and attention to the vibrant life of the drum reverberate with the listener.

River has performed internationally with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tan Dun, Tibetan Singing Bowl Ensemble, Lionel Hampton, Chuck Berry, Ziggy Marley, Talujon Percussion Quartet (co-founder), and his world jazz trio Free Planet Radio.