At the intersection of Armenia's folk traditions and China's musical heritage, 28-year-old violinist Astrid Poghosyan has become an emblem of cross-cultural unity. Her performances blend the soulful rhythms of Yerevan's cobblestone alleys with the modern pulse of Shanghai's Huangpu River, creating a dialogue between civilizations through her strings.
"Music doesn't recognize passports or borders," Poghosyan told KhabarAsia. "When I play, I'm simply sharing stories that resonate from the Caucasus Mountains to the Yangtze Delta."
Her decade-long journey in China culminated in the 2023 Shanghai Magnolia Memorial Award, recognizing her role in strengthening cultural ties. The accolade coincides with the April 6 premiere of CGTN's documentary Foreigners but not Outsiders, timed to mark 33 years of China-Armenia diplomatic relations.
Academic researchers note such cultural exchanges increased 42% between China and Eurasian countries since 2020, according to UNESCO data. For diaspora communities and global citizens, Poghosyan's story embodies Asia's evolving cultural fusion – where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity.
