In conjunction with the exhibition "Cave Temples of Dunhuang," musicians from the Silk Road Ensemble are in residence at the Getty in spring and summer 2016 to create pop-up musical performances inspired by the art and replica caves on view.

Silk Road Ensemble is a non-profit organization co-founded by world-renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma. This innovative group of talented musicians explores how the arts are a key part of fostering cross-cultural understanding, deepening learning, and promoting innovation. A part of the New York Philharmonic, Silk Road Ensemble is under the direction of Yo Yo Ma and performs multicultural music on traditional folk instruments from the Chinese pipa (lute) and sheng (mouth organ), to the Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute), the Galician gaita (bagpipe), Indian tabla (paired drums), and Persian kamancheh (spike fiddle), and more.

In this video filmed inside replica Cave 285, percussionist Shane Shanahan plays an original composition on a drum, using techniques from different cultures to reflect the diverse cultural influences that converged in the caves of Dunhuang.

Learn about the exhibition "Cave Temples of Dunhuang: Buddhist Art on China's Silk Road":
http://www.getty.edu/CaveTemples

See more videos about the Cave Temples of Dunhuang:
   • Cave Temples of Dunhuang: Buddhist Ar...  

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