Van Anh Vo & the V’AV Ensemble

Updated March 16, 2020: In response to domestic coronavirus developments, Stanford University is strongly discouraging all large-scale university gatherings, effective March 4 through May 15. Stanford Live, in compliance with the university’s decision, is moving to cancel large-scale performances within this time frame. This performance has been canceled—read more.

While Vân Ánh (Vanessa) Võ is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated traditional artists, she revels in the freedom she’s found in the various musical styles surrounding her in the Bay Area. An award-winning traditional performer and virtuoso on 16-string dan tranh (zither), she’s also an Emmy Award-winning composer who has collaborated with Kronos Quartet. The VA’V is her protean trio featuring string wizard Gari Hegedus and Jimi Nakagawa on taiko drums and percussion. With all three musicians also contributing vocals, VA’V combines ancient sounds to create breathtaking music that feels completely new.