World Premiere :Oscar-Winning "Crouching Tiger" Reimagined-1710 Cello & The Impossible Guzheng Code

WORLD PREMIERE: A Global Milestone in Dallas

The 1710 Venetian Cello Meets the "Impossible" Guzheng Code

A rare and meaningful cultural event arrives in Dallas—one shaped by lineage, artistry, and artistic courage.

This concert presents the World Premiere of a newly realized Guzheng–Cello performance inspired by the Oscar-winning score of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by legendary composer Tan Dun. Rather than recreating the film or presenting a tribute, this performance offers a new, live realization—heard in a form never before performed on stage.

At its heart, this concert brings together distinguished artists, living tradition, and a rare teacher–student lineage, making it a deeply human musical event as well as a cultural milestone that sets a new artistic ceiling for North Texas.

A Dialogue Between Two Ancient Voices

The core of the performance is an intimate and uncompromising dialogue between cello and Guzheng.

• The 316-Year-Old Voice: Leading the evening is acclaimed cellist Joseph Kuipers, Founder and Creative Director of Texas Cellos. A master who has collaborated with global icons such as Yo-Yo Ma, Kuipers performs on a rare 1710 Venetian cello crafted by Francesco Gobetti. Through this extraordinary instrument, the emotional depth and lyricism of Tan Dun’s music emerge with historical warmth and gravity.

• The Technical Breakthrough: Joining him is Guzheng virtuosa Uko Adams, widely recognized as Dallas’s leading Guzheng artist. Ms. Adams has achieved what many experts thought was a technical impossibility: cracking the chromatic "piano code" on the 21-string Guzheng. For the first time, Tan Dun’s complex Western harmonies are realized note-for-note without simplification, allowing the Guzheng to stand in true equality with the 1710 Cello.

A Living Lineage: Grandmaster Shui Wen-jun & The Dunhuang Ensemble

This World Premiere is uniquely enriched by the presence of Grandmaster Shui Wen-jun, visiting from Taiwan.

Grandmaster Shui is a central figure in the family that pioneered the modern 21-string Guzheng, a development that shaped contemporary performance worldwide. In a historic appearance, she will lead the Dunhuang Guzheng Ensemble—the prestigious group she founded over 30 years ago—to perform alongside the soloists.

As Ms. Adams’s childhood teacher and lifelong mentor, Grandmaster Shui’s presence on this stage embodies the continuity of a musical family, bringing a 30-year legacy from Taiwan to the heart of Dallas.

The Full Quintet Experience

The program is further enriched by a masterfully arranged ensemble that adds orchestral depth to the cinematic themes:

• Piano & Double Bass: These distinguished local musicians provide a lush harmonic architecture and rhythmic drive, grounding the ethereal strings in a modern, symphonic context.

• A New Standard: Together, these five artists form a gathering of recognized musical voices, balancing bold innovation with a profound respect for tradition.

Why This Concert Matters

• World Premiere: A brand new performance form of Tan Dun's masterpiece.

• Historic Rarity: The appearance of a 1710 Venetian cello on a modern stage.

• Technical Milestone: A groundbreaking expansion of the Guzheng’s expressive role.

• Cultural Legacy: The presence of a nationally respected Taiwanese Grandmaster and her 30-year-old ensemble.

• Community Gift: To inspire the next generation, ADMISSION FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 IS FREE.

Event Information

When: May 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM

 Where: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas (Serving the Dallas-Plano Community)

 Family Policy: Kids Under 12 FREE

Media & Contact Information

High-resolution photos, artist biographies, and technical background materials are available for the press. Interviews with Mr. Kuipers, Ms. Adams, and Grandmaster Shui Wen-jun can be arranged.

•  Official Website: https://WovenVoicesconcert.com

•  Media & Press Materials: https://[email protected]