The Chinese bamboo flute, or dizi (pronounced titsi) is, on the surface, a simple instrument, popular among the Chinese people for a couple thousand years because it's easy to play and sounds great. But in the right hands, it becomes a mesmerizing tapestry of color. And when Du Rusong gets hold of a dizi, watch out. The “National Class One Dizi Performer” from Hangzhou makes the dizi sing, wail, warble, sigh — to the point where it almost sounds like a human voice. It's a joy to watch him become one with his flute, swaying as he makes it sound like the wind whistling through the trees, or moving slowly, almost as if he's doing tai chi, as he produces gorgeous melodies. This week, we're fortunate to have Rusong — also a composer and distinguished professor of music at Zheijiang Normal University — performing and discussing the art of the dizi, and for free, no less — a rare opportunity to become acquainted with this enchanting instrument. Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino; Tues., Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.; free, advance tickets required. (800) 838-3006, huntington.org.

Tue., Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m., 2013

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