The Pangean Orchestra, based in Phoenix, Arizona USA, is the first orchestra of its kind: bringing people and instruments from all over the world together in full scale, on one stage. From the ancient Babylonian oud to the modern turntable -- violins, ukuleles, French horns and much more. We speak the universal language of music, sounding with a unified voice, speaking for one planet.

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Lai Ma Gates – Pipa

Published January 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

Lai Ma Gates was born in Shenyang, China into a family of musicians. She started learning pipa with her father at age 5 and later, piano and composition. After graduating from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing Lai Ma became the performer, pianist, arranger, and composer for The Premier Song and Dance Troupe of Beijing. In 1992 she won “Hei Long Bei” National Composition Competition in China. In 1996 she joined The Phoenix Chinese Art Ensemble as concertmaster and pipa soloist. Their group performed at the Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center during Chinese Week, New Year celebration and the Asian Festival. She also visited Valley schools to introduce Chinese culture, music history, and the Pipa as an instrument.