Hong Shao is a professionally trained performer of the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument. The pipa is a four-stringed, pear-shaped lute, introduced to China from Central Asia during the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.). It is considered one of the most intricate Chinese instruments, and it requires sophisticated skills to perform.
Ms. Shao has been offering pipa concerts to Kentucky audiences since 1997 and has performed numerous times at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts, University of Kentucky Asian Center, and University of Louisville School of Music, among others. Ms. Shao’s typical pipa concert offering includes 12 to 15 pipa solo works of various styles. In addition, she offers shorter, flexible performances of selected pieces.