Erhu player, composer, producer, bandleader, sound artist, and co-founder of ERQUA.

Starting erhu training at the age of six and holding a degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music.

She has collaborated with Grammy-winning artists and has performed at renowned venues such as Boston Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall. Dong’s work bridges traditional Chinese music, jazz, and technology, redefining how cultural and sonic identities can merge in contemporary performance.

Dong is also a recipient of international awards, including recognition from the Singapore International Erhu Competition and a Gold Prize at the 12th Hong Kong International Youth Performing Arts Festival.

She leads both the Esther Dong Big Band and the Esther Dong Quartet, showcasing her vision as a composer, player, bandleader, and cross-cultural artist.

Guzheng player, jazz composer, vocalist, bassist, and co-founder of ERQUA.

Classical trained guzheng player, graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Jazz Composition degree. A Core Music Tutor and member of the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice at Berklee.

She received the Tadd Dameron and Thad Jones Awards, and has performed in Shanghai’s leading venues and with artists like Christine Fan.

Huqin (erhu) performer and composer

As both a performing artist and an artistic director, he creates concert experiences that blend traditional Chinese elements with innovative influences that push beyond his comfort zone.

He has received the Career Jam 2025 Instrumental Performance Award and performed his original compositions at SXSW 2025 and Boston Symphony Hall.

He served as concertmaster of the Hong Kong Young Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), where he gained extensive experience in ensemble coaching, orchestral performance, and appeared as a concerto soloist at Hong Kong City Hall.

Pipa performer and music therapist

Sang began studying the pipa at the age of seven. Her remarkable talent quickly became evident, and at twelve, she was admitted as the top candidate to the Middle School Affiliated with the China Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the renowned performer and educator Jing Yang.

Over years of dedicated training, Sang has received numerous honors, including the Silver Medal at the Dunhuang Cup International Music Competition and the Mingyuan Liu Scholarship. She has collaborated with institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, Harvard CAMLab, and the New England Conservatory, and has performed at world-class venues including the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Beijing), Boston Symphony Hall, and Jordan Hall.

Beyond performance, Sang is passionate about expanding the expressive and social possibilities of traditional Chinese music. She explores its potential as a therapeutic and cross-cultural medium, using the pipa to create healing and connective experiences that resonate across cultures.