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Music, Memory, and Magic in Washington Park

On the warm evening of June 12, beneath the dappled shade of Washington Park’s tall trees, Pasadena Village and Clazzical Notes came together to present a uniquely peaceful and transporting musical event: In a Wonderland with Miss MA.

The concert featured virtuoso Jie Ma, an internationally recognized master of the pipa—a traditional Chinese string instrument often referred to as the “Chinese lute.” With its pear-shaped body and rich history dating back over two millennia, the pipa offers not only musical complexity but a deep connection to cultural memory and artistic refinement.

Jie Ma, or “Miss Ma” as she was affectionately called throughout the evening, took the audience on a soulful journey blending East and West, ancient and modern, acoustic and electronic. Her performance wasn’t just music—it was a meditation. Combining the pipa with the soothing tones of the handpan, crystal singing bowls, and other ambient instruments, she invited concertgoers to pause, breathe, and reflect.

“This was more than a concert,” noted villager Maureen Kellen-Taylor. “It felt like a healing.” 

Having begun pipa lessons at age five, Jie Ma’s performance style has evolved from a foundation in traditional Chinese music to a fluid, genre-defying practice. Her sound now encompasses classical interpretations, world music collaborations, improvisation, and even contributions to major Hollywood productions such as Disney’s Mulan.

The program, curated by Clazzical Notes founder Jerri Price-Gaines, was both accessible and profound. “Clazzical Notes always delivers a thoughtful and diverse musical experience,” said villager Paula Rao. “Miss Ma is absolutely delightful.”

Several villagers had never encountered the pipa before. “I had never heard of the Pipa,” said Norma Shammas with a smile. “It was mesmerizing.”

In a time when the world can feel chaotic and overstimulating, In a Wonderland with Miss MA offered a rare moment of collective calm. The lawn at Washington Park became a sanctuary of stillness, color, and sound, where people of all ages stretched out on picnic blankets, closed their eyes, and let the tones carry them. 

Jie Ma’s performance was intentionally interactive—encouraging listeners to reflect not just on the sounds they were hearing, but on what they felt, remembered, and imagined. Her blending of old and new techniques created a soundscape that was at once ancient and futuristic. “This is so fantastic,” said a visibly moved Katie Brandon. “I can’t wait for the next concert.”

The evening ended with a gentle round of applause, not the thunderous kind reserved for spectacle, but something more intimate and grateful. Music, it seemed, had done its quiet work.

Pasadena Village is proud to collaborate with Clazzical Notes and the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to bring inspiring programs like this to the community. Keep your eyes on the calendar—more beautiful evenings of music in the park are to come.