. February 23, 2016 Playing the Pipa from Chairman Mao to Kung Fu Panda When Wu Man was first handed a traditional pipa in 1972 at age nine during China’s Cultural Revolution, there was little to play but propaganda music. But as the country opened, her skill put her in a unique position to bridge cultures through music. In an interview with Asia Blog, Wu describes her first encounters with the U.S. and why music is “the universal language.” Read the interview Photographer Depicts North Korean Individuals in 3D In a country where most images depict only the ruling leader and the masses who appear to adulate him, it’s easy to miss North Korea for what it is: a home to some 25 million individuals. Slovenian-born photographer Matjaž Tančič traveled more than 500 miles around North Korea to show some of these people in unique 3D photos, providing an alternative to “extreme propaganda and extreme anti-propaganda.” In an interview with Asia Blog, Tančič describes how his subjects reacted to him. Read the interview/see photos The China Roots of Grammy Winner Abigail Washburn Nashville-based singer and banjoist Abigail Washburn recently won the 2016 Grammy award for Best Folk Album along with her husband/collaborator Bela Fleck. But the 38-year-old musician had originally planned to study international law at Beijing University after studying Mandarin and spending time in China in the late 90s. Today, she still maintains a strong relationship with China and Chinese musicians. Read the article Upcoming Events New York: The Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra, 2/25 Canberra: Josette Sheeran on China’s Rise and the Global Order, 2/25 San Francisco: The Pacific Century - The Future of U.S.-Asia Economic Relations, 2/26 Become a Member Donate Now           Asia Society 725 Park Avenue New York, NY 10021 USA Copyright © 2016 Asia Society, All rights reserved.  www.asiasociety.org