In this episode of The Piano Pod, we welcome Joy Luck Trio — a newly formed ensemble bringing together pianist Donna Weng Friedman, pipa virtuoso Gao Hong, and erhu virtuoso Karen Han-Ottosson.

Together, these three Chinese-American artists unite piano, pipa, and erhu in a rare chamber collaboration rooted in heritage and shaped by contemporary expression.

In this conversation, we explore how the trio first came together, the histories and sound worlds of the pipa and erhu, what makes these instruments distinct from Western strings, and the remarkable artistic journeys that led each member to this moment.

We also discuss Gao Hong’s expansive career as a pipa virtuoso and composer, Karen Han’s work on major Hollywood soundtracks, Donna’s recent creative accomplishments, and the trio’s artistic vi ...