In Person

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

November 21, 2025

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

Minghui Mia Wu

Dizi

Minghui Mia Wu is a dizi (Chinese flute) performer currently studying at the Bard Conservatory. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music, she is a featured artist at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the founder and artistic director of the dizi brand Qiujunlu. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and represented China at the Santiago International Book Fair in Chile. Wu is passionate about sharing the beauty and versatility of the dizi through cross-cultural collaborations and contemporary performances.

Kexilin Ke

Konghou

Kexilin Ke is a young Konghou performer from Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. A graduate of the Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music, she now studies at the Bard College Conservatory of Music in the United States under Professor Cui Junzhi. In 2023, she held a Graduation Charity Concert at Xiamen Wuyuan Concert Hall.Passionate about the beauty and expressive power of the Konghou, Kexilin is dedicated to preserving its ancient tradition while bringing new life to the instrument through contemporary and cross-cultural performance.

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.