ProMusica Minnesota performs Sunday

Presents ‘Lunar New Year’ 3 p.m. Sunday at MLC Chapel of The Christ

NEW ULM -- ProMusica Minnesota welcomes all to enjoy a mix of contemporary Asian music performed on ethnic and traditional instruments at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 at The Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College.

Performers include Gao Hong, who has performed with singer/songwriter Dessa and has played the National Anthem on her pipa (traditional Chinese musical instrument belonging to the plucked category of instruments) at a Minnesota Timberwolves game.

Violinist Rui Du is assistant Minnesota Orchestra assistant concert master and will be featured in the final show piece "Butterfly Lovers Concerto."

The ProMusica Minnesota Concert Series, originally the Summit Ave. Music Series), was established in 2016 by artistic director and concert pianist Bethel Balge to bring a rich variety of chamber music by internationally acclaimed classical musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to New Ulm.

In the noise of marketing classic music for wide appeal, a chamber music concert is an oasis of truly beautiful music that engages the heart, soul, and mind.

The ProMusica concert series consists of three classical chamber music concerts at the MLC chapel.

New Ulm Area Foundation Executive Director John Illikman said the grant falls under the foundation's pillar of supporting the arts. He said when the foundation was formed, the goal was to suport and improve the quality of life in our community and enhancing the creative interests of local citizens.

Illikman said the foundation's board of directors continues to feel this is an important part of its mission.

Audiences have grown each year to include young school children, college age students, families, educators and senior citizens.

The New Ulm Area Foundation has supported the series' mission with grants based on application submissions.

The Sunday March 26 series season finale features violinists Susie Park and Ben Odhner, violist Hyobi Sim, cellist Tony Ross, and pianist Bethel Balge performing the Emperor String Quartet by Haydn and the F Minor Piano Quintet by Brahms.

Admission is $20, $5 for youths and students. For more information, visit promusicamn.com and newulmareafoundation.org and 507-354-3337.