St Pat's Day celebration sees Asian pianist take center stage

"I am Chinese and we all have our famous tunes that we grew up with and this is culturally the same for the Irish people, like their folk songs," she said. "We also grew up listening to some of the very famous tunes too. So, although East and West have different styles, the Chinese folk style and Irish folk style is something I'm interested in exploring together."

Xu's performances have crisscrossed multiple countries in Asia, Europe and America. She has appeared at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Harvard Club in New York City, Merkin Hall and Lincoln Center.

The master's degree graduate has also played with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, American Modern Orchestra; BargeMusic Eclectic Concert Series, the Aspen Music Festival and for the BlackBox Ensemble as pianist in residency.

Gary Kong, one of the sponsors of the event, is also CEO of The Global Hero Foundation, which "saves lives and honors the work of doctors, nurses and medical professionals".

Kong told China Daily: "I've been in the US for so many years and so have many other Chinese. I'm trying to get into American culture for the next generation, because they are all here."

Kong expressed his excitement at hearing Xu play as he appreciates the dedication it takes for an artist to learn the piano.

In another performance, Daniel Sprague, a retired detective with the New York Police Department (NYPD) played bagpipes. Born in America, Sprague's grandparents came to the US from Ireland.

The bagpiper, who was dressed in traditional Irish regalia specifically worn by the NYPD, told China Daily: "I think heritage is very important for anyone, you need to embrace where we are, but we need to never lose our heritage."

The former detective has been playing for nearly 40 years. He has played his bagpipe in various different countries including Germany and Normandy France. A band he is in has also played for two popes and at two inaugurations for American presidents.

As Xu looks toward several new future projects, she said: "I love to explore. As a contemporary pianist I love to use all different media for example we may use the inside of the piano, we can use extensive techniques, or my voice to do crazy ideas."