Formed in 2011, PEP is an exciting Vancouver-based cross-cultural project in which Nicole Ge Li and Corey Hamm commission Canadian, Chinese and other international composers to write new works for erhu (Chinese two-stringed fiddle) and piano. While many works already exist for the this instrumental combination, Li and Hamm felt that very few explored the many stylistic paths that have flourished over the past century. The first of three planned discs, PEP (Piano and Erhu Project) Vol. 1 addresses this paucity, showcasing a number of works by a dizzyingly diverse range of composers: Edward Top’s Lamentation, inspired by the tradition of Taiwanese funeral wailers; Jared Miller’s narrative driven Captive; Laurie Radford’s All Over the Map, drawing parallels with his work in electronics; Jocelyn Morlock’s Verdigris, her tribute to all things that bloom at night; Chen Si Ang’s tradition-steeped Twilight; and Roydon Tse’s Blue n’ Grooves and John Oliver’s Eternity Gaze, both inspired by jazz and blues. The collaborative energy between Li and Hamm is a palpable force and their commitment to this new repertoire is a joy to behold, boding well for Volumes 2 & 3.

Performers: PEP (Piano and Erhu Project) Nicole Ge Li, erhu; Corey Hamm, piano
Recorded at: Roy Barnett Hall, UBC School of Music
Producers: Don Harder, Nicole Ge Li, and Corey Hamm
Recording Engineer: Don Harder
Translations: Nicole Ge Li
Photography: Robin Wan, Robert Chu, Remy Siu
Cover Photo: Tony Lee
Graphic Design and Manufacturing: Digital Media Group

REVIEWS
“Overall, then, a very worthwhile musical adventure featuring two exceptional musicians in an eclectic series of works.” – Lynne René Bayley – Fanfare Magazine May/June 2015

“Much thought and affection has gone into this project, and I look forward to the release of the second volume.” – Raymond Tuttle – Fanfare Magazine May/June 2015

“Rather than an inter-cultural vanity project, their collective music-making focuses on polished, musically engaged readings of recently commissioned scores. The polished scores they have produced for PEP are all performed with care and élan, and bear repeated listening. With a treasury of over 40 commissioned works by both Canadian and Chinese composers played to high standards, I’m not surprised that Volume 2 of PEP has already been announced.” – Andrew Timar – WholeNote Magazine

Get a copy of PEP Volume 1 from:
Download: iTUNES  BANDCAMP  AMAZON
Physical CDs: CANADIAN MUSIC CENTRE

TRACKS
1.  a long the riverrun – Scott Godin
2.  Blues n’ Grooves – Roydon Tse
3.  Lamentation – Edward Top
4.  Captive  – Jared Miller
5.  Verdigris – Jocelyn Morlock
6.-9. Eternity Gaze – John Oliver
10. Moonless Night – Michael Park
11. All Over the Map – Laurie Radford
12. Twilight – Chen Si Ang
13. Goldfish – Mark Armanini