Event details
QiQi is a Melbourne-based Chinese-Australian multi-instrumentalist and composer who reimagines the guzheng — a traditional 21-string zither — for today’s audiences. Classically trained yet boldly innovative, they blend Chinese folk traditions with jazz harmony, improvisation and contemporary forms to create music that bridges cultures and challenges expectations.
Their artistry centres on the guzheng’s expressive potential — from delicate, harp-like melodies to percussive textures and rhythmic drive. Equally at home on double bass and percussion, QiQi collaborates widely across art forms, weaving immersive sound worlds that move fluidly between tradition and modernity.
Since launching their solo career in 2019, QiQi has performed at major festivals and venues including the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Palladium and the Bendigo Easter Festival. Their guzheng recordings feature in a permanent interactive installation at the Golden Dragon Museum. Recent highlights include Elysian Blues II (Melbourne Fringe 2025), a jazz-inflected collaboration with pianist-composer Darby Lee and percussionist Alexander Meagher, awarded Judge’s Pick and nominated for Best Work by an Emerging Artist and Spirit of the Fringe Award. QiQi also premiered The Premier’s Entrance, a commissioned composition honouring the Premier of Victoria at the inaugural Victorian Mid-Autumn Gala Dinner and performed for the Sneak Peek Opening of the State Library Station.
QiQi is the creator and artistic director of Echoes of the Earth, an immersive performance tracing the planet’s evolution and climate crisis through music, visual storytelling and audience participation. Awarded a Bowery Theatre Residency, the work is currently in development ahead of its 2026 premiere.
Beyond performance, QiQi is deeply engaged in arts leadership and community practice. They serve on the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Youth Advisory Council and the Brimbank Youth Arts Committee and regularly appear at community and multicultural events. Recent media features include live performances and interviews on PBS Global Village, Vision Australia Radio, 3CR, and Radio Eastern FM.
Proudly presented in partnership with Midsumma Festival.
Experience Kew Court House Live
This performance is part of our ongoing Kew Court House live series, running every Thursday and Friday night in the heart of Kew. All tickets are just $25, supporting an impressive lineup of talented Melbourne musicians. Check the full lineup at Kew Court House Live.
