Finding simplicity on 21 strings with guzheng master Wu Fei

Today we meet Wu Fei, a master of the 21-string Chinese zither known as the guzheng.

A classically-trained composer and singer, Wu Fei was educated in China’s conservatory system before continuing her studies at Mills College in the United States. She eventually made her home in Nashville, where her sound has evolved through collaborations with local folk artists.

Though her roots are deeply classical, it’s the simplicity and emotional clarity of folk music she has embraced and made her own. In this episode, we explore the history and voice of this ancient instrument, hear it in action, and discover how sound can reconnect us with something simple and deeply human.