Brazilian Dreams featuring Paquito D'Rivera and the New York Voices
October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Legendary National Endowment for the Arts jazz master Paquito D’Rivera sought out the renowned Gramm Learn More...
Concertante
October 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Founded in 1995 by Juilliard graduates, these six virtuoso string players are gifted young artists w Learn More...
Regina Carter, jazz violin
October 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter brings her band to Clemson. The recipient of a MacArthur Fell Learn More...
Corinthian Trio
November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - The Corinthian Trio is comprised of three of the most successful performers of their generation. To Learn More...
Clemson University Choral Ensembles
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Piano Professor Teaches
and Performs in China 
Department of Performing Arts piano professor Linda Li-Bleuel recently performed at the Sichuan (Szechuan) Conservatory of Music in Chengdu, China. Along with her husband, saxophonist John Bleuel, the duo presented two recitals and conducted a series of master classes.
“The students in China are extremely dedicated. They take their training very seriously and work extremely hard,” said Li-Bleuel who has had the opportunity to work with Chinese musicians on two other occasions. She and John, who teaches at the University of West Georgia, have taught and performed at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music, China’s leading music school in Beijing, China, and at the Shaanxi Normal University in Xian, China.
“These are wonderful opportunities to experience cultural exchange, new customs, and ideas,” Li-Bleuel said.
For her solo performance Li-Bleuel featured works by Schubert, Bartok, and Debussy. Their joint concert showcased compositions by Darius Milhaud, Karel Husa, Ida Gotkowsky, Pierre DuBois, and Japanese composer Ryo Noda. “The audiences were gracious, generous, and deeply appreciative of our playing,” said Li-Bleuel.
Li-Bleuel presented two master classes, working with the conservatory’s finest piano students on musical concepts and interpretation. John Bleuel also worked with several students and conducted the conservatory’s saxophone orchestra.
The trip wasn’t all work. “We had the chance to do a little sightseeing, as well,” added Li-Bleuel.
Sichuan (Szechuan) Province, located in southwest China, is one of the largest and most inaccessible provinces in the nation. It covers an area of 187,000 miles and boasts the largest population in China, with 87 million people. “Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west and by the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and is the cultural and industrial center,” explained Li-Bleuel.
Sichuan Cuisine is one of the eight great cooking styles in China and is famous all over the world for its spicy and pungent flavors. “The food was incredible,” Li-Bleuel said. “It seemed as if we ate the entire time.” 
Chengdu is also home to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base, one of the most important centers in the world for the captive conservation of the Giant Panda. “Panda’s are by far one of the cutest animals in the world,” Li-Bleuel said. “After touring the research base, I realize that their conservation is vitally important.”
