A profound connection to the erhu has led Dutch violinist Anastasia Fridman on an unexpected and transformative musical journey in Shanghai. Now a master's student at the Rotterdam Conservatory, she is studying at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she explores ways to integrate traditional Chinese erhu techniques into violin performance.

Her fascination with the instrument began at age 12, when she stumbled upon an erhu video online. "The sound struck me instantly," she recalled. "I felt a deep resonance I couldn't explain." Years later, during the global pause in 2020, she bought her first erhu in China and began teaching herself. The passion soon led her to a teacher in Germany, and eventually to China.

At the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Fridman is exploring how the erhu's expressive slides and tremolos can expand the violin vocabulary. She hopes her research will challenge stereotypes and highlight the emotional range of both instruments for global audiences.

Supported by dedicated mentors and a welcoming community at the conservatory, Fridman feels deeply connected to the city. "Coming to Shanghai is one of the best decisions I've ever made," she said. "Here, I'm not just learning music — I'm living it."

Source: Official WeChat account of International Students Office at Shanghai Conservatory of Music at "SHCM-ISO"