Wu Man, the skilled Chinese pipa master who migrated to the United States over three decades ago, aimed to revolutionize the role of her lute-like instrument. The pear-shaped pipa boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, in both conventional and modern music. Wu Man’s tireless efforts have earned her a position as one of the nine distinguished recipients of the 2023 National Heritage Fellowship, a coveted award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to commend exemplary artistic mastery, lifelong accomplishments, and contributions to the nation’s traditional arts legacy in over 200 varied art forms.
Wu Man’s remarkable achievements will also be celebrated on March 8th, when she will be recognized as one of the 2023 Asia Arts Game Changers by the Asia Society at a ceremony in New York City. Her exceptional work has allowed her to expand her audience and overcome cultural and musical boundaries.
Wu Man was nominated for the fellowship, which comes with a $25,000 award, by longtime musical colleague and collaborator David Harrington of the Kronos Quartet. Mr. Harrington says of Wu Man: “Wu Man is recognized as transforming the pipa into a gateway to Chinese culture. She has added the musical colors and textures of the pipa to concert music of all kinds. Composers now incorporate the pipa into their compositions, musicians regularly perform with pipa players, and audiences in the U.S. and across the globe are now familiar with the sound of the pipa.”
The 2023 fellows will be celebrated at a live event, date, and details to be announced. NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD says of the fellows: “The 2023 National Heritage Fellows exemplify what it means to live an artful life. Their rich and diverse art forms connect us to the past, strengthen our communities today, and give hope to future generations in ways that only the arts can. Our nation is strengthened through their meaningful practices, expressions, and preservation of traditional artistry.”
Wu Man says of the NEA and Asia Society awards: “When I arrived in America, I did not know how my music and my culture would be received by the American music community. It has been an ongoing and ever-evolving adventure to discover the openness and generosity of musicians, composers, dancers, and presenters to embrace my culture through our varied musical conversations. By using the pipa as an instrument for experimentation and cultural curiosity, I have been able to cross genres and to bring east and west together in sometimes surprising and meaningful ways. I feel extremely honored to have my work recognized by the NEA and the Asia Society with these prestigious awards.”
(Headline image: Wu Man – Photo by Gan Yuan)
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Author: World Music Central News Room
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