The Metro: From classical roots to Detroit rock, Xiao Dong Wei redefines sound
Xiao Dong Wei is an internationally recognized erhu master in Detroit. She joins The Metro to talk about her music and global connections ahead of her upcoming show.
Xiao Dong Wei, erhu master and composer.
We all know music can be a powerful conduit to tell stories, exchange energies and connect across cultures. One note can paint a thousand pictures or tell thousand year old histories.
Xiao Dong Wei is an internationally recognized erhu master. Her journey into music began in China at the tender age of 5. Her work has taken her across the globe and landed her in the Detroit area.
She blends traditional Chinese instrumentation with contemporary styles like jazz, rock, and orchestral performance, playing over 20 instruments.
On April 24, 2026, the Michigan Philharmonic presents “Sounds of the Pacific Rim”. It invites audiences to explore the sounds of the Oscar-winning score for Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
The concert creates a space for global conversation with local connections. A pre-concert talk, featuring Pacific Rim instruments, erhu, and Japanese taiko drums.
Xiao will also premiere her own piece “Hometown Reflections.” Xiao and Charles Ezra Ferrell joined The Metro to talk more about her music and global connections in Detroit.
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