Tapping into the ancient and the new, the Beijing-based ensemble Sounds of China is recognized across the country for bringing attention, understanding, and appreciation of traditional Chinese music and culture. By blending Chinese instruments – erhu, liuqin, xun, pipa – with electric guitars, synthesizers, and a drum kit, artistic director and composer Ma Jiuyue leads an electric and refreshing performance full of vigor that defies expectations. On Feb. 8 the Byham Theater is where East meets West.