Musician shows Chinese culture to the world

 "Her erhu narrates universal tales, with its two strings painting scenes beyond words," a journalist based at the United Nations said after experiencing a concert by Chinese erhu virtuoso Ma Xiaohui.

Ma, a noted Chinese erhu (two-stringed bowed instrument) performer and composer with the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, held a concert with the theme of Erhu Holding Hands with the World, New Music Trend, New Cultural Tour in the Delegates' Room at UN headquarters in New York City earlier this month.

Diplomats, attendees from diverse backgrounds, and participants of the World Madam Global Awards Ceremony were profoundly moved by the distinctive allure of traditional Chinese musical instruments showcased during the concert.

The concert began with an overture titled Legend of the Silk Road, Perfume of the Soul and opened with the song Woman Flower. Then came the theme song from the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which beautifully celebrates the classic dialogue between erhu and cello.

"This beautiful and inspiring concert wonderfully blended classical, Chinese, and cross-cultural themes. It was a feast for the ears and soul," multimedia artist Ranjit Bhatnagar says.

"The performance was full of creativity, a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, experimental and nostalgic, centered around her mastery of the instrument," Bhatnagar adds.

"As a guitarist, I had the privilege of performing with Ma Xiaohui," says Tim Kelly."Her powerful, moving melodies inspired both me and the audience. It seems that in her hands, the instrument can melt the heart of every listener."

Influenced by the lively atmosphere at the venue, the 2023 World Madam Global Overall Champion, Sepideh Behboudi, danced to the music multiple times with other audience members.

"I really enjoyed it. Professor Ma is not only beautiful, but her erhu artistry is so exceptional that it took me by surprise," Behboudi says.

Ma says that music is an international language, and national musical instruments have their own unique tonal characteristics. Using them as messengers, they can spread melodies of truth, goodness and beauty to all.

She expresses a hope that the world can "feel the charm of Chinese culture, the spiritual beauty of Chinese art and the warmth of the erhu to move and melt hearts".

Ma's music tour, whick kicked off on Sept 17, covered Nashville, the country music capital of the United States, and New York City including the United Nations headquarters. The tour lasted for more than 40 days.

According to Ma, her tour was not limited to just music, but also used lectures to bring a healing experience to the audience.

On Oct 21, Ma collaborated with the Middle Tennessee State University Symphony for the year's first symphonic concert. They performed the erhu concerto Tianshan Shepherdess, as if transporting the audience to the foot of the Tianshan Mountains to see the blue sky, white clouds, and the carefree shepherd.

"Professor Ma is exceptionally talented, fluent in English, and has a great rapport with the university orchestra students. Her erhu performance shines like a diamond. Whether expressing her musical lexicon or her spoken words, she is a true international cultural ambassador," says Carol Nies, music director of the MTSU Symphony Orchestra.

"Her music not only quickly introduces the audience to Chinese culture but has left an indelible impression on this hub of country music," Nies adds.

Ma, a graduate from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is a national first-class performer and the chief erhu soloist of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.

Over the past 20-plus years, Ma has undertaken global tours and given lectures across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. These efforts deeply embody the spirit of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.