When Anastasia Fridman first heard the soulful resonance of the erhu, China’s traditional two-stringed instrument, she knew her musical path would stretch far beyond her native Netherlands. Now studying at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, the classically trained violinist is merging centuries of Western and Eastern artistry through her unique cross-cultural exploration.
"The erhu speaks with a human-like vulnerability," Fridman told KhabarAsia. "It’s not just an instrument—it’s a storyteller carrying China’s cultural memory." Her daily practice sessions reveal surprising parallels: while the violin’s chin rest allows for technical precision, the erhu’s fretless design demands intuitive listening. "Both require emotional truth," she reflects.
Faculty members note Fridman’s work exemplifies Shanghai’s growing role as a global music hub. Over 40% of the conservatory’s international students now pursue traditional Chinese instruments, contributing to creative dialogues reshaping contemporary compositions.
