Ziying Wu, former professor of traditional Chinese music at Shanghai Normal University and director of the Shanghai Qin Society, is one of the few masters of the Chinese seven-string zither (qin). The qin figures prominently in the literature, history, and culture of traditional Chinese society, and its music represents one of the longest unbroken musical traditions in the world. Confined to the studios of connoisseurs, the qin was considered the only musical instrument that cultivated the mind and spirit of both player and listener. It remains an instrument rarely heard in public performance, even today. Mr. Wu performs on an instrument known as "The Perfectly Harmonized Jade and Pearl Qin," crafted sometime during the 12th or 13th century, which is renowned for its sweet, yet sonorous tone.
Mr. Wu's second instrument is the Chinese lute (pipa), one of the most popular Chinese musical instruments, used both as a solo instrument and in ensemble. The pipa's great narrative capacity is evident in its repertoire of beautifully lyrical folk ballads and virtuoso solo pieces, and it is frequently alluded to in Chinese poetry.
Ziying Wu now resides in the Seattle area, where he continues to teach, perform, and repair instruments.