Silk Road

Qiu Xia He when she first left China was surprised to learn that her instrument, the Chinese pipa, could speak the languages of musical traditions from around the globe. "China Speaks Your Language" is a music performance that will introduce audiences to different cultures through the experience, discoveries, and travels of Silk Road Music: Qiu Xia, accompanied by her husband, multi-instrumentalist Andre Thibault.

The pipa, a Chinese lute with a wide range of expression, will be the evening’s focal point.

"China Speaks Your Language" will surround the Chinese pipa with many world instruments, such as the flamenco guitar, the oud and bouzouki, as well as lutes from the Middle East and Greece, and percussion from Africa, and many more.

Throughout its travels, Silk Road Music has explored how powerfully and satisfyingly music can provide a link between cultures. Silk Road’s audiences gain not only in a better understanding of Chinese music, but in appreciation for the music of their own traditions, and for the wonderful energy that results when we try to learn from one another’s experience.

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