On a warm summer morning in Vancouver, as we strolled through Stanley Park, the air was filled with a sound both pure and unfamiliar—a melody that stopped us in our tracks. Following the music, we discovered Laura Wu, a gifted musician dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of Chinese folk music. She was gracefully playing the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, while singing with heartfelt expression. The experience was as serene as it was moving. Today, we are honored to feature Laura Wu in Momentum Makers, our series celebrating individuals whose artistic contributions inspire us all.
Amaranth Magazine: Laura, your music instantly captivated us that summer morning in Stanley Park. To begin, can you take us back to when you first fell in love with music and share how your journey as an artist began?
Laura: Thank you so much. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was seven years old, I was selected to join the Shanghai Children’s Palace and became part of the Children’s Choir. Soon after, I was chosen again to sing with the Shanghai Youth Palace Chorus. Even at that young age, I felt an unshakable love for music—it was already in my blood, woven into the rhythm of my life. From then on, music was not just something I enjoyed; it became an inseparable part of who I am.
Amaranth Magazine: You discovered music so early and it quickly became part of who you are. Was there a particular turning point in your life when you realized that music was not just a passion, but truly your path?
Laura: After graduating from high school, I immersed myself fully in music, studying both vocal and instrumental performance under the guidance of different teachers. Each lesson deepened my passion and strengthened my resolve. Through dedication and relentless effort, I was eventually admitted to the Music School of the Shanghai Philharmonic—a milestone that confirmed music was not only my passion, but my true calling.
Amaranth Magazine: Being admitted to the Music School of the Shanghai Philharmonic must have been both exciting and demanding. With such a path, there are often challenges behind the achievements. Looking back, what sacrifices or important choices did you make to pursue music, and how have they shaped who you are today?
Laura: Looking back, music has been my greatest source of joy—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It has challenged me, healed me, and given me strength in moments of difficulty. Every sacrifice I made along the way feels small compared to the fulfillment music continues to bring into my life.
Amaranth Magazine: You’ve shared how music brings you joy on every level—body, mind, and spirit. A big part of that joy surely comes from the instrument you play. Can you tell us about your instrument and what inspired you to choose it?
Laura: I play the Guzheng, often known as the Chinese harp. It is one of the most beloved traditional Chinese plucked instruments, with a history that reaches as far back as the Qin Dynasty (255 BC – 206 BC). What drew me to it was its mellow, crystal-clear tone — a sound that carries both delicacy and strength. The Guzheng has an intoxicating power, a timeless appeal that resonates deeply with the heart. For me, its voice blends perfectly with my own, creating a harmony between instrument and vocals that feels both natural and profound.
Amaranth Magazine: The way you describe the Guzheng already feels poetic, and we could sense that beauty during your performance in Stanley Park. When people listen to your music, what do you hope they feel or take away from the experience?
Laura: I truly enjoy playing the Guzheng and singing in Stanley Park, because music allows me to share joy with people from so many different cultures. Each time I perform, I feel as though the melodies build a bridge—connecting hearts across languages, traditions, and backgrounds. Seeing listeners pause, smile, and be moved by the sound is one of the greatest rewards of my journey as a musician.
Amaranth Magazine: Your performances already create such beautiful connections across cultures. How does your own cultural heritage influence the music you play and the way you bring it to life on stage?
Laura: My music is rooted in Chinese traditional and folk songs, melodies that have been cherished across China for generations. Carrying these songs forward allows me to honor my heritage while sharing its beauty with new audiences. Each performance feels like a way of keeping tradition alive, while also letting it resonate in fresh and meaningful ways.
Amaranth Magazine: Storytelling is such an important part of music. What role does it play in your singing and Guzheng performances?
Laura: I was trained as a classical soprano, and I believe combining my voice with the Guzheng creates a unique style that blends the two beautifully.
Amaranth Magazine: Music is often called a universal language. Have you noticed people from different cultures responding in unique ways to your performances?
Laura: Music truly is a universal language. I’ve noticed that people from different cultures respond in unique and beautiful ways to my performances, each bringing their own emotions and interpretations, which makes sharing music even more rewarding.
Amaranth Magazine: Performing across cultures is a wonderful experience, but every artist faces challenges. What obstacles have you encountered as a musician in Vancouver, and how have you overcome them?
Laura: I continually challenge myself to learn music from different cultures. One of the biggest challenges is that audiences often request their favorite songs. I embrace this as an opportunity to grow, striving to offer more pieces that people will truly enjoy.
Amaranth Magazine: Performing in public spaces, as you do, is a dream for many young artists. What advice would you give to those hoping to share their music in the same way?
Laura: I believe performing in public spaces is an excellent way to grow as an artist. It allows you to test your technique and connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, gaining recognition and valuable feedback along the way.
Amaranth Magazine: Looking ahead, if you could collaborate with any artist in the world, across any genre, who would you choose and why?
Laura: If I could collaborate with any artist in the world, I would choose someone who plays string or chord instruments, as they complement my music beautifully. My focus is on classical soprano and Chinese folk music, so working with such musicians would allow me to create a harmonious blend that highlights both traditions.
Amaranth Magazine: Finally, looking to the future, what is your dream for your music, and how can people support you on your journey today?
Laura: I hope to have more opportunities to perform at a variety of occasions in the future, sharing the beauty of Chinese traditional and folk music with wider audiences. Each performance is a chance to connect with people, inspire emotions, and keep these melodies alive. Support from listeners—whether by attending concerts, following my work, or simply sharing my music—helps me continue this journey and bring these songs to more hearts around the world.
Laura’s most recent album, “Jasmine Flower”, is now available. Featuring Laura Wu’s Guzheng and vocals, the album includes 14 beautiful pieces such as Red River Valley, Butterfly Lovers, Danny Boy, and more. Erhu virtuoso Jirong Huang makes a special guest appearance on the album.
Listeners can contact Laura directly to purchase her album or to invite her for performances and lessons:
Email: laurawuyu@gmail.com
Phone: 778-862-8293
Alternatively, you can reach out to us at magazine@amaranthmagazine.ca for any inquiries.
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You can watch a clip of Laura Wu playing the Guzheng here
