Overview

Van-Anh Vanessa Vo, a Vietnamese musician and composer residing in El Cerrito, has been awarded the prestigious Taproot Fellowship for her contributions to traditional music. Vo, who has a rich background in music from her early years in Hanoi, emphasizes the importance of community engagement in her artistic endeavors.

Since moving to the Bay Area in 2001, Vo has made significant strides in her career, collaborating with various renowned artists and ensembles. Her recent recognition by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts highlights her commitment to preserving and innovating traditional music.

Key details

  • Van-Anh Vanessa Vo is an Emmy award-winning musician known for playing the 16-string đàn tranh.
  • She began her music education at the age of 4 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Vo moved to the Bay Area in 2001, continuing her career as a solo artist.
  • She founded the Blood Moon Orchestra and collaborated with notable artists like Yo-Yo Ma and the Kronos Quartet.
  • Vo has been recognized as one of 25 artists receiving the 2025 Taproot Fellowship from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts.
  • The fellowship includes a $60,000 award, supporting projects that reflect cultural heritage and contemporary movements.
  • Recipients of the fellowship can allocate $10,000 towards community initiatives.
  • Vo is using the fellowship funds for a concert titled “Viet Day” at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on August 2.
  • About 50 performers will join Vo and the Blood Moon Orchestra for the concert, which includes workshops for participants.
  • Authentic Vietnamese cuisine will be featured at the event, prepared by Chef Nikki Tran.
  • Vo’s mission includes honoring 4,000 years of Vietnamese culture through music, storytelling, and community engagement.
  • She emphasizes the connection between music and the communities it serves, drawing from her training in Vietnam's diverse musical traditions.

Context

Vo’s work is rooted in her Vietnamese heritage, and her recent fellowship underscores the importance of traditional music in contemporary society. By blending her cultural background with modern influences, she aims to create a platform for storytelling and community involvement.

What happens next

As Vo prepares for the “Viet Day” concert, she will continue to engage with the community through workshops and collaborative performances, fostering a deeper connection between her music and the stories of the participants.

What we don't know yet

Details about the specific initiatives that will receive funding from the fellowship and the exact number of participants in the upcoming concert have not been confirmed.