Beijing Duo performs for intimate audience

The Hope College Great Performance Series hosted its second group of the year on Friday night. As the clock reached 7:30 p.m., the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall came to life with the ethereal sound of Meng Su and Yameng Wang’s guitar playing. Known collectively as the Beijing Guitar Duo, Su and Wang have been playing classical guitar since they were 9 and 10, respectively. Born in the coastal city of Qingdao, China, the girls both began to win awards and gain recognition around the country.

Eventually, the two came to the United States for their education and joined forces to become the incredible performing group they are today. Together Su and Wang have played concerts in several countries spanning throughout Asia, Europe and North America. The Beijing Guitar Duo have released three albums, titled “Maracaipe”, “Bach to Tan Dun” and “China West”. “Maracaipe” was nomiated for Abigail Bache Arts Editor a Latin-GRAMMY award for its title piece, and “Bach to Tan Dun” has received recognition for the premiere of a special arrangement of one of Tan Dun’s pieces. Additionally, both Su and Wang have released solo CDs and DVDs. The duo have been the Artists-in-residence for the San Francisco Performances and have been supported by the Maryland State Art Council’s Touring Artists Grant program since 2014. Both Su and Wang are currently studying under Maestro Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, USA. The Hope College Great Performance Series will be presenting two more shows for the fall 2018 season.

The next performance features The Queen’s Six, a men’s vocal group, and will take place on Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jack H. Miller Concert Hall. Tickets are free for Hope students and can be purchased by faculty and community members at the Hope College Box Office in the Anderson-Werkman Center on 8th Street. Ticket prices are $23 for adults, $17 for seniors and Hope Faculty and $6 for children 18 and under. Season tickets are also available with adult prices at $90, seniors and Hope Faculty at $70, and family tickets for $200.