In Person

Calligraphy, Music & Mandarin Meetup – Your Monthly Cultural Escape (January)

January 16, 2026

6:00 - 8:00 PM ET

Our beloved monthly program of Calligraphy, Music & Mandarin Meetup is back!

Step into a beautiful evening where art, music, and language come alive. Each month, experience captivating live performances featuring some of China’s most iconic instruments — from the graceful guqin (古琴) to the ethereal, harp-like konghou (箜篌) and the lush, harmonizing sheng (笙)— performed by talented musicians who bring these ancient sounds to life.

As music fills the room, slow down and immerse yourself in the serene practice of Chinese calligraphy, guided by a master calligrapher. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll receive hands-on guidance — all materials (ink, paper, brushes) are provided.

Want to practice Mandarin? Join our Mandarin Language Table during intermission for a fun, relaxed conversation with support from our language instructors.

Enjoy tea and light refreshments, meet fellow culture lovers, and experience a unique night of art and connection in the heart of NYC!

No experience is needed — just bring your curiosity! We can’t wait to share this inspiring evening with you.

This program is in partnership with the US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music.

Musicians & Calligrapher

Hengjian Zhang

Sheng

Hengjian Zhang is a musician from Shandong, China. He has studied sheng performance under well-known musicians and professors including Pei Dazheng, Dong Qing, Chen Shuo and Wang Lei. He is a member of the Echos of China Ensemble and an active participant in the Bard East-West Ensemble. In 2024, he graduated from Tianjin Conservatory of Music with a bachelor’s degree and is currently a second-year graduate student at Bard Conservatory of Music.

Xiaoyan Zoey Luo

Pipa

Xiaoyan Zoey Luo is a highly acclaimed young pipa musician, co-founder of the Echos of China Ensemble, and an active member of the Bard East-West Ensemble, actively engaged in the New York music scene. Immersed in Chinese music for over 15 years, she entered Bard Conservatory US-China Music Institute for a Pipa Performance and Film Production double degree program. She has delivered outstanding performances at world-renowned venues and institutions, including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center. In June 2025, during the Bard East-West Ensemble’s China tour, she performed as a soloist in 11 concerts across 7 cities. In September 2025, she was direct admitted into the master program, Chinese Music and Culture at US – China Music Institute at Bard Conservatory of Music.

Sheng Xinde

Calligrapher

Sheng Xinde is an award-winning calligrapher with over forty years of dedicated practice, known for his mastery of brush and ink and his passion for teaching. He has won top honors including First Prize in the Calligraphy Competition of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the prestigious Korean Art Grand Award. He curated calligraphy exhibitions such as the first International Exhibition of Chinese Calligraphy in New York in 2014 and the second International Exhibition of Chinese Calligraphy in New York in 2017. As President of the North American Chinese Calligraphers Association, Sheng is committed to sharing the beauty of this ancient art, having taught at Huaxia Chinese School, Flushing Public Library, Stony Brook Chinese School, and Manhasset Public Library.

This program is made possible through the support of the Chinese International Education Foundation, and generous supporters of China Institute of America.

China Institute of America’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.