The Seattle Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is the only traditional Chinese Orchestra in the Pacific Northwest. Formed in 1984, its mission is to advocate and promote traditional Chinese music to the Western world. Directed by the internationally recognized erhu virtuoso Warren Chang and conducted by Fred Chu, the SCO offers instruction and performance opportunities to anyone of any age interested in learning traditional Chinese instruments. With over 50 musicians participating, the SCO performs annually in a variety of venues including Benaroya Hall. The ensemble includes not only Chinese musicians but also Americans who are lovers of Chinese culture and well-versed in Chinese music.

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra: West Meets East

Saturday, February 24, 2024 @ 3:00pm – 4:30pm (PST)
Zion Lutheran Church, Everett, WA, United States
Bohuslav MartinůSerenade No. 2, H. 216
Imogen HolstString Quintet
Chen Gang / He ZhanhaoButterfly Lovers' Concerto
Traditional — Selected works (​ traditional Chinese music TBA performed with Chinese Instruments)

$25 ($20 ages 65 & over/student ages 16 & under); see event page for advance purchase instructions

Seattle Chinese Orchestra & Pacifica Chamber Orchestra: Eastern Memories on the Western Wind

Saturday, October 19, 2019 @ 7:00pm – 9:00pm (PDT)
Combining Chinese and Western instruments to bring alive songs from vastly different cultures in powerful, moving ways – transporting you to an enchanting realm of verdant bamboo forests, rugged snow-capped peaks, and quiet flowing streams.

$25-$30

Seattle Chinese Orchestra: Jubilant Journey to the East

Saturday, September 29, 2018 @ 7:00pm – 8:30pm (PDT)
The ethereal sounds of traditional Chinese instruments join the sounds of classical Western instruments in a rich soundscape.

$20-$30

Seattle Symphony: Celebrate Asia

Sunday, February 11, 2018 @ 4:00pm – 7:00pm (PST)
A spectacular event featuring music by famous Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Indian composers.

$31-$97

Year of the Monkey: Chinese Music in the Great Northwest

Sunday, September 25, 2016 @ 3:00pm – 5:00pm (PDT)
Audiences will revel in the intimate sounds of a culture-blending trio, lose themselves in the enrobing harp-like qualities of a guzheng ensemble, and be engulfed by the full, sweeping waves of the full Seattle Chinese Orchestra.

$20-$30

When the Dragon Meets the Eagle: Oriental Grandeur in the Northwest

Sunday, November 22, 2015 @ 3:00pm – 5:00pm (PST)
A delightful mixture of soulful melodies, energetic percussions, and the graceful, precise-yet-delicate movements of the musicians that are as much of an art as the music itself.

$20-$30