WASHINGTON, June 16 (WSH) — Global City Connect (GCC) has officially appointed renowned Chinese erhu virtuoso, composer, educator and international cultural ambassador Ma Xiaohui as Chair of its Arts Committee, marking a significant step in the organization’s efforts to promote international cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people connectivity through the arts.
The appointment was announced on June 15 as part of GCC’s broader initiative to expand its global cultural cooperation network and promote the international dissemination of Chinese culture.
Ma is widely recognized as one of China’s most influential contemporary erhu artists and a leading figure in Shanghai’s cross-disciplinary arts movement. A National First-Class Performer and former Concertmaster and Principal Erhu Soloist of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, she has dedicated decades to introducing Chinese music and culture to audiences around the world.
Throughout her distinguished career, Ma has performed, lectured and conducted cultural exchange programs in nearly 100 countries and regions. Through thousands of concerts, masterclasses and educational initiatives, she has used the erhu, one of China’s most iconic traditional instruments, as a bridge for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.
Often described as “a cultural ambassador who helps the world understand China through the erhu,” Ma has become a prominent representative of Chinese cultural diplomacy. Her artistic activities have connected diverse cultures through music, fostering deeper appreciation of Chinese civilization among international audiences.
Ma has collaborated with internationally acclaimed musicians, including renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and participated in the recording of the Academy Award-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” She has released more than twenty albums and premiered, composed or adapted over one hundred musical works from both Chinese and international traditions.
Beyond her performance career, Ma has developed and produced numerous innovative cultural projects, including “Erhu Shaking Hands with the World,” “Dialogue Between the Erhu and the World,” “Strings Singing Around the World,” and “One Erhu, One World Journey.” These projects have been presented throughout Asia, Europe and North America and have become influential platforms for intercultural exchange.
Her contributions to cultural diplomacy and international understanding have earned her numerous honors, including China International Cultural Ambassador, Global Expo Cultural Ambassador, Shanghai World Expo Cultural Ambassador, United Nations Peace Artist and Special Olympics Ambassador.
Ma also serves in various public and professional capacities, including as a former member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an expert judge for China’s Golden Bell Awards, an expert evaluator for the National Arts Fund, and a researcher and advisor for several major cultural organizations.
GCC stated that culture remains one of the most powerful and enduring forces connecting people across borders. As globalization continues to deepen, cultural exchange has become an increasingly important driver of international understanding, trust and cooperation.
“Professor Ma Xiaohui is not only a world-class artist but also a lifelong advocate for cultural dialogue among civilizations,” GCC noted. “Her remarkable artistic achievements, extensive international experience and commitment to promoting Chinese culture globally are fully aligned with GCC’s mission of fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding.”
Under Ma’s leadership, the GCC Arts Committee will focus on promoting international music exchanges, cultural and artistic cooperation, global outreach for intangible cultural heritage, city cultural branding, youth arts education and Belt and Road cultural exchange initiatives.
GCC believes that the appointment will further strengthen the organization’s capacity to engage with international cultural institutions, artists and creative communities while helping Chinese culture reach broader global audiences.
The establishment of the Arts Committee under Ma’s leadership represents a new milestone in GCC’s cultural development strategy and reflects the organization’s commitment to using culture as a bridge for international cooperation and people-to-people connectivity.
Founded under the initiative of the City Public Art Research Center, Global City Connect is an international cooperation platform dedicated to connecting cities, enterprises, international organizations and cultural institutions around the world. Through its growing network of national and city hubs, GCC promotes international collaboration, economic development, cultural exchange and sustainable development initiatives across multiple sectors.
