Shenshen Zhang: Chinese Pipa and Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Improv



This video captures the very first time that Chinese pipa master Shenshen Zhang and scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer and Ancient Future bandleader Matthew Montfort played together, on or off stage. They met on August 21, 2011, at an acoustic guitar concert set up by steel string guitarist Mike Kostowskyj with Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar and Richard Patterson on classical guitar at The Wine Bar in Half Moon Bay. Mike invited Shenshen Zheng to perform a number by herself since she was in the house. Matthew Montfort was very impressed and invited her to jam with him, and this is exactly what happened from their first note on stage together! There are no edits to the audio or video.

http://www.shenshenzhang.com/

I start playing the Pipa when I was nine still living in my hometown of Wenzhou, China, playing music with my Mother who initially enlightened me. Through the years, I have been fortunate to appear with many different groups, including both Eastern and Western chamber music and symphony orchestras, performing an extensive range of classical and contemporary compositions, including new works from present composers. As much as I love performance, I enjoy the collaborative process, especially when working with a variety of composers and musicians and investigating different musical forms. My artistic goal is to continue to perform and explore the range of the Pipa, a unique instrument that can either be utilized in a solo position or as an integral part of a larger composition.

Chinese Pipa and Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Improv with Shenshen Zhang and Matthew Montfort

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