Ma XiaoHui Is Dior's Famous Artist Image in China !

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Musician and composer Ma Xiaohui

One of China’s few first-class traditional artists, embracing a two-decade international career, renowned Shanghai Erhu musician and composer Ma Xiaohui is “an artist who speaks with the world through Erhu.” Raised in an academic family, she graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Ma Xiaohui is artistic advisor to the Shanghai Grand Theater, a member of the United Nations Oriental Art Center, and served as “Love Ambassador” for the World Special Olympics held in Shanghai (October 2007) – where she tutored young Olympian Qiao Meili on Erhu for the Flame Lighting opening ceremony. Past concertmaster to the Shanghai Traditional Orchestra, and an adjunct professor at Southwest Jiaotong University, she also serves as adviser to the Hong Kong Youth Music Association.

Additionally, Ma Xiaohui serves as Education Advisor to the Shanghai Grand Theatre Education Center. Awarded the First Prize for the National Guangdong Music Competition, the Baosteel Classic Arts Award, and First Prize for the first Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, she has also appeared as the first Chinese traditional performer in numerous major world festivals. Ma Xiaohui is perhaps most readily recognized for her duet with famed cellist Yo- Yo Ma on the Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Indeed millions of us have heard the sounds of her music and have been moved by the emotional power of her playing, giving little thought as to who the artist is. Yes, millions of us have heard Xiaohui Ma playing on the Oscar winning soundtrack of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and felt our emotions rising and falling as Ms Ma's Erhu weeps and laughs with the Cello of Yo-Yo Ma.

Ma had her New York debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall this past June and performed to a rapturous audience. She returned to NYC this past November to give a lecture and to perform a recital at the United Nations. Ms Ma's lecture was on the healing power of music as well as on the history of the Erhu and its role in the cultural development of China.

It is of note that Tan Dun, the famed Chinese composer, sent a letter of support that he asked to be read during her Carnegie Weill Hall performance in lieu of his attendance. In the letter, Mr. Dun stated: “Ms. Ma, you are truly one of the most talented young musicians of our time and you have made it your challenge to transform the Erhu from being an instrument only associated with traditionally Chinese music to one recognized on the great stages of the world as a bona fide classical instrument.” He added: “Your talent and virtuosity was evident to me . . . and your ability to caress the most exquisite sounds from the Erhu is demonstration of a rare talent.” Proud of its national treasure, the Chinese government in 2000 presented Ma Xiaohui as Cultural Ambassador in Shanghai’s successful bid for the 2010 World Exposition.

Recently, Ma Xiaohui was selected to become the new Dior “famous artist image” in China. This is the first time in the history of Dior that a Chinese artist virtuoso was chosen to be their cosmetics face for China. Dior posters portray a beautiful image of Ma Xiaohui with her darling Erhu, reflecting something of her charm and unique musical ability. We spoke to Ma after her performance at Carnegie Hall.