Cross-cultural art is all the rage and this is not a bad thing. We were raised on Western art, most specifically the US/UK axis that existed when Chuck Berry and the Beatles were doing their things. We opened up to world music some years later, and found all sorts of hidden delights, different instruments, compostional approaches and the like. Here's something fresh (and free) in the classical realm: The Vancouver-based Orchid Ensemble has two open to the public rehearsals at the New England Conservatory on October 14th and 15th from 4 - 6 pm. There will also be a free show at Wellesley College on October 18th.

Orchid Ensemble is a trio of Chinese, Taiwanese and Canadian musicians that blends ancient musical instruments (erhu - two-stringed Chinese stick fiddle;  zheng - Chinese zither) and traditions from China and beyond. They have been developing an innovative musical genre based on the cultural exchange between Western and Asian musicians.
Their tour program draws on the group’s extensive repertoire of commissioned works and past explorations of the immigrant experience, the Silk Road and beyond, and China’s wildly varied musical palettes; all from a distinctly Canadian perspective.
The Wednesday show is at New England Conservatory - Intercultural Institute, Williams Hall from 4:00 - 6: 00 p.m. That is at 30 Gainsborough St., 617-585-1122  The Thursday show is at New England Conservatory - Intercultural Institute Symphonia Rehearsal Room, same time. Sunday's show, at 7, is at Jewett Auditorium at Wellesley College. Free, too.