Van-Anh Vanessa Vo, a Vietnamese musician, reflects on her sense of belonging in El Cerrito, a vibrant and diverse community that resembles her native Hanoi. She has a rich musical background, beginning her studies at age 4, and has since established a successful career in the Bay Area, forming her Blood Moon Orchestra and collaborating with various notable artists and organizations. Recently, she received a Taproot Fellowship from ACTA to support community-driven projects, emphasizing the importance of sharing local stories through her music.
Vo states, "What we love is that we found El Cerrito and our forever home where we can be immersed in nature. The community is vibrant and diverse."
Vo began studying her homeland's traditional music at age 4 and has collaborated with prominent organizations like the Kronos Quartet and the Oakland Symphony.
She mentions, "In my music, I always have to include community, share their stories, have them participate with me."
Among her recent accolades is being named one of 25 artists honored by the ACTA with a 2025 Taproot Fellowship, a $60,000 award supporting cultural initiatives.
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