We were looking for a city in the far west of China for our Geo Quiz. This ancient city lends its name to a new CD by the Canadian music trio “Orchid Ensemble.” The city is Kashgar group’s CD is called “Road to Kashgar.” Founder Lan Tung says the Orchid Ensemble’s music is inspired by the city along the Silk Road.

LAN TUNG: “It was a very important oasis where people from all different directions meet and rest. There is still a very vibrant market, people trade goods from all different directions, so it’s a very interesting place. We find Kashgar like a symbol for a cultural meeting place. That’s why we named our CD ‘Road to Kashgar’ because the whole album has a lot of different influences inspired by Turkish rhythms, Uyghur music from northwestern China, Indian music.We found all these historical and cultural facts very fascinating.”

Lan Tung of the Canadian based group Orchid Ensemble