Noteworthy

Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and a leading ambassador of Chinese music, Wu Man has spent her life expanding what an ancient instrument can be—and who it can belong to. Born in Hangzhou and trained in China’s classical traditions, she has become a vital creative force on the global stage, collaborating with composers, orchestras, and musicians across cultures while remaining deeply rooted in history. 

Ahead of her Toronto Symphony Orchestra appearance as part of Year of the Horse: A Lunar New Year Celebration, she reflects on music as a connection and joy.

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Music, to me, is not only entertainment. Music is the wisdom of human beings, and it is communication with people. I started very young, when I was 9 years old, so music became part of my life. My family always joked that I was born for music. I really cannot do anything else.

I remember a concert a few months ago in Shanghai that stayed with me. I played with local traditional musicians. They were all retired people, some already 88 years old. Many young people came to the concert. They had never been to this kind of traditional-music performance before; they usually go to Western classical or pop concerts. After the last piece and the encore, the backstage was full of audience members, many of them very young. They told me they never thought traditional music could be like this. Somehow it changed their minds. They said they wanted to come more often to traditional-music concerts. That was really touching. I truly believe music can change people, even change generations.

The pipa demands a lot. You have to practice every day to keep the technique, keep your hands and muscles ready. Mentally, you always need to focus. I travel a lot, and I always carry my instrument with me. If I travel without my instrument, I panic. Music and the instrument are so close to me. It's a love-filled relationship, yet it still comes with its challenges. Like with a family member or a partner, there may be moments of frustration, but you’re deeply connected, and in the end, it's the love for the music that matters. 

At the same time, music gives me the chance to visit many countries, meet many people, understand different cultures, and work with musicians from different backgrounds. I see the world through music, and I feel very fortunate.

Sometimes, when I hear rock music, I imagine, “What if I played in that band?” That kind of feeling. It’s an area I haven’t really touched, but I really hope someday I could play rock-and-roll music. I didn’t grow up with that culture, so I’m not familiar enough to name many bands—but I do listen to K-pop. I’m really inspired by BigBang. I think they’re very creative, and I really enjoy them.

I grew up with traditional music, but I also do a lot of contemporary work. The pipa has a history of around 2,000 years. It is an old instrument, but it still exists today, and people still play it. I work with composers and try to bring this music in different directions. I think about how an old instrument can survive in modern society, especially for younger generations. It’s about passing tradition down, but also about evolving it—having new ideas and creative approaches. This instrument travelled through history, through Central Asia. It belongs to everyone. If we understand the roots, we can take another step forward.

One book that has stayed with me from a young age is 红楼梦 (Dream of the Red Chamber), which deeply reflects society, family, and human life.

For Lunar New Year, food is definitely a big part. Family gathering together, friends gathering together—that’s what I grew up with. Shopping, spending time together, having great meals and banquets, different cuisines. And of course, music. There are parties. There is music on the streets, music in restaurants. You cannot have New Year without music. Music and food—those are the two biggest parts.

See Wu Man with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra:

Year of the Horse: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb 28, 2026
Roy Thomson Hall

Discover where music and life intersect in Intermezzo as we bring you closer to the artists who shape the TSO experience. Keep an eye out for more of these insightful conversations.