Silk Road Music was formed in 1991 by virtuoso pipa player Qiu Xia He, who came to Canada in 1989 to play the Vancouver Folk Music Festival as part of a touring ensemble from China. She stayed in Canada and has become a vibrant addition to the Vancouver Music scene. Joined by her husband Andre Thibault, a multi instrumentalist from Quebec, they have delighted audiences from festivals to symphony halls, and have garnered fantastic reviews for their virtuosic skills and artistry.

As a leading Canadian ensemble, Silk Road Music’s goal has always been to develop new expressions for intercultural music, featuring compositions that enhance the understanding of world culture. Its musicians explore and extend the range of the ancient pipa, from classical to contemporary works of their own and other composers.

The Silk Road Duo offers multicultural music programs in English, French, Spanish and Chinese.
It can be performed in festival, arts centres, concert halls, university, college workshops, and public school.

In 25 years of traveling and performing, Andre and Qiu Xia have appeared in a wide range of venues, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, a BBC recital in England, hundreds of schools and universities across North America, and community concert series around the world. Qiu Xia also has been a featured soloist with a few symphony orchestras.

CD Awards:
2 Best World Music Album at the West Coast Music Awards. Nominated for a JUNO. 2 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations.

Home Base: British Columbia

Touring Schedule: Click here