Salina Kuo
Salina Kuo is a Chinese-American songwriter, percussionist, self-taught guzhengist and educator based in Philadelphia (Lenape territory). They write music that blends genres and utilizes uncommon instrumentation to create a unique yet cohesive and familiar sound. By confronting personal experiences with grief and depression, Kuo’s storytelling invites listeners into their world and to share in their healing. They release music under St. John’s Wort (vibraphone indie-rnb) and River Full of Fruit (freak-folk chamber orchestra).
They have performed in venues across the U.S. and Canada, ranging from basements to art galleries to concert halls. (Notable performances: Composed + premiered music commissioned by PAFA & World Cafe Live, Public Orchestra (Marshall Allen, Anthony Tidd), performed alongside Tyshawn Sorey, Dan Blacksberg, Thurman Barker). They prioritize teaching accessible music education in community settings. They have experience teaching all ages at the PHL Free Library, School of Rock Philly, Girls Rock Philly, and PHL school district.
Awarded Grants
2025
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Salina Kuo’s project will center on the creation and live presentation of an original album for guzheng, guitar, cello, fiddle, and banjo that expands the guzheng’s role in contemporary music while reflecting personal experiences as a queer Chinese American artist. Drawing on themes of immigration, generational trauma, grief, and love, Salina will record a series of compositions that weave Chinese folk influences with American string traditions, creating a cross-cultural sound rooted in both tenderness and experimentation. In partnership with Asian Arts Initiative, Salina will host a free, all-ages release event featuring a guzheng and Chinese folk music workshop, followed by a full ensemble performance of the album.