ABC Brisbane radio interview
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to be interviewed by ABC Brisbane, a platform that resonates with so many in Australia. It was a brief moment, yet so much was shared. Among the stories and reflections, I performed The Butterfly Lovers (梁祝), a piece my grandmother has always cherished and hoped I would one day play. Performing it was not just a nod to her wish but also a way to connect with the deep emotions and cultural heritage it carries. Music, in its purest form, transcends language and geography, speaking directly to the heart.
The host’s questions, however, reached far beyond my individual journey. They asked about something far more profound: how we can achieve a seamless blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and how we can contribute to advancing multiculturalism in Australia. These are monumental questions that go beyond any single person or performance. They made me reflect on the role of art and artists in fostering understanding and unity.
In a world that sometimes feels divided, music—and art as a whole—serves as a bridge. It’s a medium that allows us to explore common ground while celebrating our differences. The challenge of blending cultures isn’t about losing one identity to embrace another; it’s about creating something richer, something that honors the uniqueness of each tradition while finding harmony between them.
In my own journey, I’ve come to see that the answers to these big questions are not fixed or definitive. Instead, they emerge slowly, through every conversation, every collaboration, and every performance. Each time I step onto a stage or sit down for an interview, I’m reminded that I’m part of a much larger story—one that’s still unfolding.
Australia’s multicultural landscape is vibrant and dynamic, but there’s always more we can do to build understanding and appreciation among communities. Whether it’s through music, food, art, or storytelling, every small act contributes to this progress. For me, playing the guzheng and sharing pieces like The Butterfly Lovers is my way of adding to this narrative. It’s a way of saying, “This is where I come from, and this is how I’d like to connect with you.”
I left the interview feeling both inspired and humbled. While I may not have all the answers to these big questions, I believe that simply engaging with them is a step forward. With every event I participate in, I hope to uncover more pieces of the puzzle and, in doing so, help others see the beauty in cultural fusion.
Music has no borders, and neither should our understanding of one another. Together, through exploration and collaboration, we can create a world that celebrates diversity while finding harmony in our shared humanity.
