Sep
16

Sidedoor: Appalachia goes Beijing

What do an American banjo picker and composer trained in China’s ancient classical style have in common? A lot more than you’d think.

Graphic for Sidedoor episode 5.15

When Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei first jammed together, “It was Magic.” Fei was shocked to meet an American banjo player so curious about China’s culture; and  Washburn met a classically trained composer whose talents on the guzheng, a 21-string Chinese harp dating back 2,500 years, perfectly complimented her banjo pickin’. Today, they collaborate to make a new brand of folk music: one that combines the tones of Appalachia with the melodies of China.

Listen now to the story of a unique musical collaboration:

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Posted: 16 September 2020
About the Author:

Jessica Sadeq has worked in the Central Office of Public Affairs since June 2007. She is the Marketing Manager for the Office of Communications and External Affairs.