Bard Chinese Ensemble
巴德民乐室内乐

The Bard Chinese Ensemble (BCE) brings together the vibrant timbres of Chinese instruments with the expressive richness of Western orchestral instruments, focusing on a repertoire of primarily contemporary Chinese orchestral works. Many of these pieces are by living composers and are presented as U.S. premieres. Although BCE is still in its early stages of development, the ensemble achieves the scope of a full-size orchestra by thoughtfully re-arranging each composition for its unique East-and-West mixed instrumentation. Founded on the principles of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, BCE is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding, delivering transformative music-making and listening experiences, and inspiring the creation of innovative works that transcend traditional musical boundaries.

Shutong Li, Music Director

Shutong Li is the conductor and Music Director of the Bard Chinese Ensemble at the US-China Music Institute, as well as assistant conductor of the annual NY China Now Festival and the Bard East/West Ensemble. In 2017, Li founded an orchestra called “Musicians For Musicians” in New Mexico and organized and conducted 19 projects with 38 public concerts, which hosted over 50 young opera singers and instrumental soloists. He also served as chief conductor of the Symphony of Albuquerque and the UNM Health Sciences Centers Orchestra. Li has worked with groups such as the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, the Dolce Suono Chorus, New York Concert Chorale, the State Opera Stara Zagora, Teatro Mancinelli Orvieto, the Dédalo Ensemble, and the AltreVoci Ensemble.

Bard Chinese Ensemble Musicians

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

US-China Music FellowS

2020-2021

2019-2020