“They are simply the best I’ve ever heard,” writes Mike Marshall of Magic Mandolins about Melody of China. “Hong Wang plays the Chinese fiddle like Jimi Hendrix.” The San Francisco–based ensemble specializes in Chinese classical, folk and contemporary music, performing on a wide variety of unusual instruments. At the same time, they create a sonorous synthesis of Asian and American culture. This week, Chamber Music in Historic Sites presents a multi-event: a performance by Melody of China at Chinatown’s Empress Pavilion, preceded by an optional walking tour that includes the newly constructed Daoist Cam Au Temple and the famous Chung King Road art galleries — and followed by a 10-course dim sum supper at the Empress. 988 Hill St., Chinatown; Thurs., May 3, 7:15 p.m. pre-concert talk, 8 p.m. concert; 9:15 p.m. supper; $75. (213) 477-2929 or www.dacamera.org.

Melody of China performs at Empress Pavilion.

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