West Coast Music Awards nominee – Best Instrumental Music (non-classical) & Best World MusicHeartland OE2000 (Canada, 2000)
Released in 2000, the Orchid Ensemble”s debut CD Heartland features original compositions by Vancouver composers Mark Armanini and Jin Zhang, alongside fresh arrangements of traditional Chinese music of diverse styles.
Press
“They achieve a collective style that is beauteous, sensual, deep, and culturally rich without violating any traditional aesthetic….A wonderful combination of spirit, connectedness, and sonic timbres, the Orchid Ensemble deserve wide attention on their own terms and integrity of purpose. They stand unique unto themselves”.– Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
“It”s a haunting, serene masterpiece which effectively showcases the deep talent pool that Orchid Ensemble boasts.” – North Shore News, Jan-Christian Sorensen
“Heartland possesses an appropriate title since this CD oozes heart and soul with its delicate collection of traditional and contemporary Chinese music.” – Patty-Lynn Herlevi, Cranky Crow World Music Central
Harvest Season – Ming Kao, Arr.: Lan Tung
This piece is a modern portrayal of farmers dancing and singing at a harvest celebration in rural China. In Lan Tung”s arrangement, an additional percussion section has been added.
Meditation in the Boudoir – Traditional, Arr.: Ngon-pak Ng, See-wah Hon, Orchid Ensemble
Originally part of a larger work for pipa, the four string lute, in its original form it was considered on of the thirteen greatest pieces for pipa.
Lantern Riddles – Jin Zhang for the Orchid Ensemble (Canada Council commission)
Beautiful paper lanterns of every size and design are hung every evening during the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. From these lanterns often dangle small strips of paper containing riddles, and great enjoyment is taken in trying to solve the riddles during the festival.