Coming up next weekend is a performance of both classical and more contemporary work from composers Copland, Mozart & Sibelius. This would be a wonderful way to spend the evening while staying at our Duluth Minnesota Inn. There will be a special guest performance from Xiang Gao, who is recognized as one of the world’s most successful performing artists. From the People’s Republic of China, Xiang Gao is cited by the New York Times as “a rare and soulful virtuoso”. He has performed for many world leaders, including the former Presidents of the U.S. and China.

From his profile on the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra web site: “With his strong interest in theater and Asian traditional music, Xiang Gao created the acclaimed Butterfly Lovers Multimedia Violin Concerto from a composition by Zhanhao He and Gang Chen. This recreation of a popular ancient Chinese fairytale similar to “Romeo and Juliet” features solo violin, orchestra, a synchronized visual presentation of ancient Chinese brush painting, and a dramatic reading (by playwright Danny Peak). The production was recently awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Violin Virtuoso Xiang Gao

Mr. Gao lives in Newark, Delaware where he is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Delaware’s Department of Music. He performs on a fine violin by master maker G.B Ceruti of Cremona, Italy in 1794. This rare instrument was purchased by the University of Delaware to support Mr. Gao’s international performing career. In 2006, the Stradivari Society selected Mr. Gao to be a recipient of a Stradivarius violin for his international solo concerts.”

Wow! Gao sounds like an amazing performer and one not to miss during his visit to Duluth. If you have been looking for an excuse to get out of the house, I can’t think of a better one than getting a little culture! One great thing to look forward to: The Orchestra’s performance hall is only 1 mile from our Duluth MN Bed Breakfast! That makes for a very cheap taxi or a nice crisp walk after dinner.

We hope to see you next weekend!