Bao Jian

A graduate of  the  Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, Bao Jian has gained tremendous attention as an outstanding performer of the guanzi (a double-reed folk instrument of ancient Chinese origin) through numerous appearances as soloist and chamber musician worldwide. Hailed by The Berlin Daily Post for his “pure hallowed music from the East,” Mr.Bao has enchanted audiences with his virtuosity and poise. He boasts an impressive list of awards includes the 1998 Pro Musicis International Award and First Prize in the 1995 “International Chinese Ethnic Instrumental Competition” in Beijing.

With immense knowledge of classical and folk Chinese music, Mr.Bao is also acclaimed as a major innovator of contemporary works. UNESCO chose his recording of the song of “Three Layers of Yang Guan” to be internationally published . His performance of “Lin Li” concerto with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra set new standards for the guanzi . With saxophonist Ken Radnofsky, he premiered Lei Liang’s “Extend” at the New England Conservatory’s Spring Music Festivals in Jordan Hall. With The Phoenix Symphony, he premiered Xu Zhenmin’s “Mooring at night by the Maple Bridge."

As a recitalist, he has been heard on three continents and is a frequent guest performer at heralded festivals, including the “Festival of Asian Art” in Hong Kong and the “Bao der Weltkulturen” in Berlin. His reputation has earned him mention in “Famous Ethnic Chinese in the World of Arts & Literature”. He is currently an artistic director of the Chinese Performing Arts of North America.