Chinese orchestra to perform

     UNLV's Family Affair Series presents the National Traditional Orchestra of China, an ensemble of traditional Chinese music and instruments, at 8 p.m. Friday in the Artemus Ham Concert Hall on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.
      Gourmet appetizers will be provided by Chins Chinese Restaurant in the lobby of the Artemus Ham Concert Hall from 7-8 p.m. before the performance.
      The National Traditional Orchestra of China has been highly acclaimed by newspapers world-wide including the New York Times and the Boston Globe.
      China's musical heritage stretches back to the third millennium, B.C., and encompasses a wide range of styles and instruments unique to China. In 1960, in order to bring these historic sounds to modern audiences, the orchestra was assembled, complete with erhu, pipa and guzheng sections.
      Since then, the orchestra has performed throughout China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, Sweden and Russia. The current tour marks the first American appearance of the group.
      Contemporary works by China's greatest composers resonate in these ancient instruments. In addition to showcasing some of the most popular traditional Chinese pieces, the orchestra will be presenting the premier performances of a new cello concerto by the highly acclaimed Chinese-American composer Bright Sheng.
      Hai-Ye Ni, cello soloist for the Sheng concerto and a native of Shanghai, came to international prominence as the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Naumburg International Competition. An acclaimed New York recital debut followed and she has since performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the Ambassador Auditorium in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall.
      After coming to the United States, Hai-Ye Ni studied at the San Francisco Conservatory and at the Julliard School. She has appeared with leading orchestras ranging from the San Francisco Symphony to the Hong Kong Philharmonic.
      Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Center box office and at Dillard's department stores. Ticket prices are $17.50, $22.00, $27.50, $34.50 and $43.00. UNLV and group discounts are available.