Tzu-Tsen Wu 吳紫岑

A native of Taiwan, Tzu-Tsen Wu (recipient of "Best Asian Entertainer" of The 42th Chicago Music Award) is a Chicago based plucked-string multi-instrumentalist specializing in Zhong Ruan (中阮). Her playing style is informed through her Taiwanese roots but also heavily influenced through her studies of various world music styles and ensembles, including as well - western jazz and classical music. She is an active world music specialist touring around Asia and the United States as solo virtuoso. She is the co-founder and musician of a Chinese fusion band, Ruan and Hide, East Asian music specialist of the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra (Chicago Reader’s “Best World Music Act” of 2021) and serves as the current Artistic Program Coordinator for The Chinese Fine Arts Society of Chicago 2022-2025. As a music educator, she presently serves as Adjunct Professor of Music at Oakton Community College in addition to advising the Chinese Music program at several Universities and Chinese schools of Chicago. She performs and collaborates regularly and has co-authored a children’s music textbook commissioned by the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Education. Her current focus is breaking cultural boundaries, generational gaps, and fostering a more inclusive environment within the greater community from Chicago to the world. This project has been guaranteed by The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), 2024 Individual Artist Program producing an Album《Ruan to the World》.