A visionary guzheng artist, composer, and ethnomusicologist, Jing Xia is redefining the boundaries of tradition and innovation from her home base in Newfoundland. Born in Hunan, China, Xia began studying the guzheng at just six years old—a journey that has since led her across genres, continents, and disciplines. Her debut solo album The Numinous Journey earned her multiple accolades, including the 2023 East Coast Music Award for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year and MusicNL’s Album of the Year and Solo Artist of the Year.

Equally at home in traditional Chinese folk, experimental improvisation, and intercultural collaborations, Xia has performed with artists and ensembles across North America, including Mei Han, Shanneyganock, and the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra. From symphony halls to indie festivals, her performances have graced stages like the Newfoundland Folk Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and DuneFest. Her projects, including the pioneering Light Wind Ensemble and genre-blending XIA-3, showcase her dedication to pushing the guzheng into exciting, uncharted musical territory.

Offstage, Xia is a passionate educator and scholar with a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology. Her research explores the diasporic experience of Chinese musicians in North America, and she has shared her insights through workshops and lectures worldwide. Deeply engaged in community and cultural leadership, she serves on the boards of the ECMA, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and AAMP, and holds key roles in organizations advancing music education and intercultural dialogue.

Bridging cultures, styles, and generations, Jing Xia is not only preserving a rich musical tradition—she’s boldly reimagining its future.