[It Feels Like Home at Wanda] by Andi Pema from Han Show

Andi Pema has deep roots in music performance, especially in the theatrical variety. The multi-percussionist and drummer began his love affair with music at the age of six in Albania, moved to Athens, Greece in pursuit of his passion which led him to Montreal, Canada where he studied classical performance at McGill University.

Pema got his start with Cirque du Soleil, a household name in the global theatrical production business, and also got to see the world while performing over 400 shows on tour. “I was a percussion and drum coach with Cirque and toured with them all over Europe and Japan. When I finished touring, I then worked at the headquarters as a music coach. I loved it and it was a great experience,” he remembered. 

Having already lived on two continents at this point, Pema set his sights on Asia. His ambition led him to joining Wanda Group as assistant band leader, percussionist and drummer with the larger than life Han Show Theatre in Wuhan, China.

“It’s the biggest show on earth. Cirque du Soleil was a small show compared to this -- the machinery, the seats move up and down, there’s a lot of water and we hire acrobats and divers for the show,” Pema shared excitedly. “My most memorable moment is the size of the theatre, it’s like a dreamland -- it’s a world class performance, definitely.”

Before working on large scale theatrical productions, Pema worked as a musician in a number of North American cities in music festivals and at nightlife venues. It was in those bars and clubs that he would have the chance to hone his craft. 

“I worked as a musician in clubs and bars and have been all over Canada and the US working in different events and festivals. I’ve been in bars and clubs for most of my life, so at a certain point you want to move up, which is why I auditioned for Cirque,” he said.

Pema credits his time in those bars and clubs as a training ground before he got his big break and suggests that young musicians press on, practice and take a similar path.  “You get to work with professional musicians and I would definitely recommend this to any musician out there who wants to improve,” he concluded.