**Title: A Lasting Connection: An Interview with American Violinist Kyle Dillingham**
Kyle Dillingham, a violinist from Oklahoma and the leader of the country music band Horseshoe Road, has just returned from China, where he participated in the 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. In this exclusive interview, he shares his thoughts on his long-standing relationship with Chinese audiences and the power of cultural exchange through music.
**Reporter:** What does it mean to you to tour internationally? Can you tell us about your first experience performing in China?
**Kyle Dillingham:** I picked up the violin at the age of nine, and by high school, I was already touring around the world. The violin has served as my “passport” for connecting with people globally. Music is an incredible way to bridge gaps between cities, states, and nations—this is something I truly treasure. Over the last 27 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in over 40 countries, building meaningful connections along the way.
My first visit to China is something I will never forget. I performed at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing in June 1999. After the concert, a young violinist was moved to tears during our interview. She expressed how much she loved experiencing traditional music from both China and America, and how that changed her perception of music from a serious study to something joyful. That moment really underscored for me the ability of music to bring happiness and shift perspectives.
**Reporter:** Why do people in China call you “Old Friend”? What cities have you explored in China?
**Kyle Dillingham:** I truly appreciate being called “Old Friend.” It’s a label we take with us on our tours. A friend once told me, “The only reason to have a 20-year friendship is that you’ve shared those years together.” This year marks my 25th in China, and throughout that time, I’ve fostered lasting friendships and built many “old friendships.”
Making frequent visits is key to nurturing those bonds. I’ve been fortunate to travel to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, as well as regions such as Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and Taiwan. This is actually my seventh visit to Gansu, and I feel it has become a second home to me in China.
**Reporter:** Why do you perform classic Chinese pieces during your tours in China? How has this influenced your creative process in blending Western and Chinese musical styles?
**Kyle Dillingham:** I always aim to perform the music of the countries I visit; it’s crucial for genuinely connecting with the audience and demonstrating my appreciation for their culture. Learning new music is an exciting experience for both me and my band.
Playing Chinese music provides a unique and enriching experience. Not all pieces are equal in how they translate to performance; some are easier, while others, like our rendition of the classic Erhu piece “Horse Racing,” require more effort. But the satisfaction we gain from these performances makes it all worthwhile for both us and the audience.
Through various collaborations in China, I’ve found incredible inspiration. A few years back, I composed a song that merges American and Chinese folk music called “Old Friends.” The lyrics reflect our cultural exchange and have become a central piece in our 2024 friendship tour. The transition between styles of different countries’ folk music is incredibly fascinating.
**Reporter:** The pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, symbolizes the fusion of Eastern and Western music that began after the opening of the Silk Road. How does it feel to perform with Western instruments in Dunhuang?
**Kyle Dillingham:** Dunhuang is truly a magical place. I first performed American country music here in 2017 during the Dunhuang Cultural Expo. To perform in a region rich with thousands of years of cultural exchange is a momentous occasion.
My experiences in Dunhuang have deeply impacted me, and I hope to bring some of that cultural richness back home to America. During my visit to the Mogao Caves, I encountered the famous mural “Playing the Pipa,” which beautifully symbolizes the fusion of East and West. Performing with a Western violin in Dunhuang is another way to showcase this blend.
I see little difference between “country music” in China and the U.S. Beyond simply merging instruments, we need to deeply immerse ourselves in each other’s traditional sounds and emotions for greater understanding, which reinforces how similar we are.
**Reporter:** What special role does music play in fostering connections among people worldwide? How can it promote global community and cooperation?
**Kyle Dillingham:** I look forward to continuing to share my music in China and plan to tour other countries as well, with a major performance in Thailand lined up for November.
When translating languages, there’s often no direct one-to-one correspondence; we need to find ways to express those meanings. Similarly, music conveys deep and specific emotions. What’s remarkable about music is its universality; it speaks directly to the heart and soul. Therefore, whether on a personal or professional level, music serves as one of the best means to connect globally. By sharing music, we can forge even deeper, more meaningful bonds.
