In his native Beijing, China, Diandian Wu was exposed to an artistic environment from an early age. His father was a professional ballet dancer and Diandian started playing the piano at the age of six, interpreting well-known classical works from Western composers.
While his early musical influences were Western, in 2007 Diandian decided to familiarize himself with traditional Chinese instruments and music. Very quickly, he acquired an impressive mastery of instruments such as the erhu (also called Chinese violin), jinghu (main instrument in the Beijing Opera), banhu, gaohu, guqin (seven-string zither) and the bamboo flute. Diandian says that he was able to rapidly acquire great proficiency at Chinese music because of his solid piano technique, profound understanding of music, and vast cultural foundation.
Diandian came to the United States in 2009 to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Chinese literature and art at Columbia University. He was committed to educating his fellow students about the art of Chinese music. His goal was also to bring that traditional form of music to a wider U.S. audience. In 2010, he presented a jinghu solo at Columbia's Chinese New Year gala and a solo concert at Columbia University, where he played the piano and various Chinese instruments. In early 2011, he performed Chopin's Heroic Polonaise at the piano in New York's famed Carnegie Hall. He also gave a jinghu solo performance of Beijing opera at Harvard University's Sanders Theater in front of an audience of 1,200.
On December 10, 2011, Diandian Wu will be performing at Carnegie Hall for a second time. For the occasion, he is dedicated to presenting a unique blend of East and West. He will perform Western classical music and Chinese music at the piano and on Chinese instruments.
Diandian's ultimate goal is to become a unique artist, combining music, culture, his Chinese heritage, and Western influences. In pursuing his dream, he will undoubtedly create a unique genre that will captivate music enthusiasts, wherever they may be.
- Anne-Catherine Briand-Fortin
Videos
"Night Thoughts" jinghu (Beijing Opera) solo - Diandian Wu at Columbia University
"The Moon Reflected on the Er-quan Spring" Diandian Wu
