A Moving Sound

ARTIST: A Moving Sound

COUNTRY: Taiwan

GENRE: Traditional meets Modern Taiwanese, Chinese and Asian music forms.

MORE ABOUT: Shen Don, or as it translates in English, A Moving Sound, is a performance company based in Taipei, Taiwan. A Moving Sound has created a new musical expression that fuses Taiwanese, Chinese and neighboring Asian musical ideas in inspired and engaging modern song compositions. Songs are performed on Chinese instruments such as the vertically held and bowed erhu and the Chinese guitar known as zhong ruan, as well as Western instruments. Transcendent vocals and dance by lead singer Mia Hsieh, transport listeners to and beyond the Far East to where only the highest art can take us.

The modern world has turned its’ eyes towards the Far East with China exploding rapidly in its’ economy and culture. Musically however, the world knows this region for either traditional music or music that, for the most part, copies western ideas. A Moving Sound has attracted international attention for opening a door to this unexplored territory with a music that is both ethnic and intensely passionate and creative. Audiences and critics are thrilled to see this new musical art based on melodies and instruments from the Far East.

The creators of A Moving Sound believe that the creative process is a profound experience of meeting oneself, of meeting another and of meeting the world in the mysterious universe that we live in. Creating art, spiritual practice and social service are considered primary commitments in life. A Moving Sound is very active in the Asian-Pacific region, performing concerts and festivals, offering workshops, working with communities and collaborating with artists from all over the world. The company tours through Asia and North America and has a tour planned for Europe in the coming year.

This modern world is full of challenges yet at the same time so many possibilities exist for positive change. “A Moving Sound” hopes to be a resource and a catalyst for dynamic creative energy. They believe creativity is a light that helps us all to reach our full potential!

SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY:

- “Starshine” (2009)
- “Songs Beyond Words” (2007)
- “Little Universe” (2004)

SELECTED VIDEOS:

SELECTED PRESS REVIEWS AND QUOTES:

“One of the most original outfits working in the world music arena today” (Tom Pryor, WorldMusic.NationalGeographic.com)

“Delicately balanced between many worlds, A Moving Sound provides an entryway to Eastern music and artful expression of the human condition. Influences from China, Mongolia , Kazakhstan , India and other stopping points along the Silk Road” (Chris Heim, Global Rhythm Magazine)

“The music is really beautiful, and beautifully presented. It’s just about the nicest music I’ve heard from the last WOMEX.” (Theodore C. Levin, professor of ethnomusicology at Dartmouth College, introduced Huun Huur Tu to the U.S.)

“Stunning performance at the annual World Music Expo (WOMEX), A Moving Sound demonstrated their ability to transfix their audience with a mesmerizing integration of Chinese tradition and contemporary folk. Nothing short of visionary” (Tamara Turner, CD Baby)

“An exciting development in the progression of both traditional and contemporary Chinese music. Joyous, evocative and enchanting!” (The New York Public Theater)

“Chicago’s reaction to A Moving Sound was a joy to see” (Brian Keigher, Chicago World Music Festival)

“Mia Hsieh is a great young woman singer putting a new spin on old traditions. A Moving Sound has a fine and unusual album just out and beautifully packaged.” (Lucy Duran, BBC Radio 3)

“Grand Performances’ commitment to finding virtuosic artists from Asia and the Asian diaspora has struck gold with the Taipei-based A Moving Sound. The ensemble has carved out a unique niche, incorporating movement and sound to create a magical, expressive musical experience.” (Grand Performances, Los Angeles)

“Great music from Taiwan. A Moving Sound seems to have found its opportunity!” (Marco Werman, BBC Radio 3)

“Your unique and energetic music was successful in capturing the imaginations of our enthusiastic audience. We are proud and honored to have worked with you!” (Harbourfront Centre, Toronto)

“Powerful and beautifully touching. Mia’s voice soars” (Alan Davis, Small World Music)

“A Moving Sound took Simmons College by storm. The concert truly was incredible.” (Rachel Ruggles, Simmons College Boston)

“One of the most joyous musical experiences that I have had the pleasure to program. The ensemble infused the space with a heart-warming, love-filled vibe that truly rocked our souls” (Willis Johnson, Galapagos Art Space, New York City)

SELECTED PERFORMANCES:

- Culture Del Mondo, Cuneo, Italy (2009)
- Fest Der Kulturen, Augsburg, Germany (2009)
- Dunya Festival, Netherlands (2008)
- Global Sound Healing Conference, Los Angeles, USA (2008)
- Grand Performances, Los Angeles, USA (2007)
- Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, Canada (2007)
- The Rubin Museum, New York City, USA (2007)
- Ollin Kan Festival, Mexico City, Mexico (2007)
- The Quebec City Festival, Canada (2007)
- Grassroots Festival, Ithaca NY, USA (2007)
- ShangriLa World Conference, Shanghai, China (2006)
- WOMEX, Spain (2006)
- MOFFOM Festival, Prague, Czech Republic (2006)
- Chicago World Music Festival, USA (2005)
- The New York Public Theater, USA (2005)
- Small World Music Festival, Toronto, Canada (2005)

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