About the artist · Electronic press kit
Barbora Xu.
Singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Music inspired by poetry, the natural world and the meeting of traditions.
Czech singer and multi-instrumentalist Barbora Xu accompanies her voice with zithers from China and Finland: guzheng and kantele. Her music brings together local poetry, traditional playing techniques and her own compositions.
Her work is deeply inspired by nature: the calmness, fragility and softness of forest light and soundscapes, and the fullness of the human voice and handmade instruments combined.
Barbora has performed at King’s Place in London and Musiikkitalo in Helsinki, and took part in the British Making Tracks project in 2019. In 2020 she co-founded Ask Your Elders, an exchange of ideas and lived experiences across generations.
Her debut album Olin Ennen was released by Nordic Notes in 2021. Her second album, The Garden of Otava (May 2025), features Tapani Rinne, Ilkka Heinonen, Asja Valcic and Mikko H. Haapoja.
In 2024, Barbora founded the Old Forest Echoes association, composing music and producing concerts in Finnish old growth forests to raise awareness and funds for their protection.
Booking & enquiries ↗Press
“A work of luminous artistry”Charlie Cawood · Songlines ★★★★ ↗
For presenters & press
Press materials.
Download high-resolution publicity photographs, explore the gallery, and hear Barbora’s music. Please include the photographer’s credit when using images.
High-resolution press photographs ↗Photo gallery ↗Music & videos ↗