Music is one of the most universal languages in the world, and so much can be communicated by a simple melody. To show that music is a language without borders, Bemidji State University held a special concert with three talented artists, each from a different continent.

“This concert is a trio from different cultural [backgrounds],” said Chinese pipa player Gao Hong, “One [musician] is from Venezuela, one from Syria, one from China, so we’re doing music with everything, it’s a world fusion, so we’re kind of like three different areas of music and we play together.”

While the concert features the trio creating music all together at once, it also showcases aspects of each individual’s cultural music.

“We always find out roots first, so we’re featuring each culture,” said Gao, “It’s kind of like they take us to there.”

One of the unique aspects of this concert is the fact that every musical performance is completely improvisational.

“[It’s] full improvisation in each piece, with many elements from world music from our countries, and our instrument,” explained Venezuelan harpist Leonard Jacome.

This fusion of improvisational jazz with world music makes each performed piece a wholly original and truly heartfelt work of art, just waiting for an audience to hear it.

“We are putting our instrument, our music, with our heart into the music,” said Jacome.

This concert was part of BSU’s Bemidji Concert Series, which strives to bring a variety of musical performances to the Bemidji area.

By — Justin Othoudt