Cao Yudi / 曹煜笛

London-based Pipa Musician

I am a London-based musician specializing in the pipa, with fifteen years of professional training and extensive performance experience. My artistic practice focuses on integrating traditional Chinese music with contemporary performance forms, Western ensembles, and innovative technologies to create cross-cultural musical expressions.

Cao Yudi portrait

About

Since 2019, I have received seven major awards in national and international competitions, including the Gold Medal at the National Teenager Art Show and multiple Silver Prizes at national instrumental competitions. My collaborative work has also gained international recognition — the team was shortlisted for the IC Pioneer Award and nominated for the Asian Art Awards, highlighting the innovative nature of our cross-cultural productions.

Beyond performance, I actively engage in artistic coordination and project curation, overseeing creative adaptations and rehearsal processes that bridge music, staging, and technology. Through both solo and collaborative work, I aim to bring the expressive power of the pipa to international audiences and explore new artistic possibilities on the global stage.

Awards
  • Gold Medal — National Teenager Art Show (China)
  • Multiple Silver Prizes — national instrumental competitions
  • Team shortlisted — IC Pioneer Award (international)
  • Team nomination — Asian Art Awards (cross-cultural production)
Pipa anatomy diagram

Pipa — Anatomy

  • Phoenix terrace: the carved headstock that anchors the tuning pegs and gives the instrument its emblematic look.
  • String axis (tuning pegs): used to mount the strings and tune pitch precisely.
  • Neck: the slender section connecting head and body, supporting left-hand positions.
  • Xiang (frets): raised strips that divide pitches; densest on the upper section for agile melodic playing.
  • Strings: traditionally four; modern sets often use steel-nylon wound strings for clarity and projection.
  • Surface panel (soundboard): usually paulownia; the primary resonating plate on the front.
  • Back panel: tear-drop arched back that enhances resonance and projection.
  • Upper / lower vocal cylinders: internal cavities that shape timbre, loudness, and sustain.
  • Fushou: a protective/ornamental fitting near the bridge area.

Together these parts create the pipa’s bright, articulate tone and enable cross-ensemble versatility in contemporary and traditional settings.

Live Recording

live & studio
Pipa × Electro Sketch

Bookings & Collaborations

Interested in performances, cross-cultural collaborations, or new media projects integrating pipa with contemporary ensembles and technology? Get in touch.

Cao Yudi performing