The author and her husband in Kansas City, atop the National World War I Museum and Memorial, overlook the city's skyline. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Music is more than culture; it is a living ecosystem of art sustained by communities of people who devote themselves to mastering a craft. From hip-hop to the delicate tones of the erhu, music is far more than striking a drum or singing a melody. Even the existence of music requires immense effort: artisans around the world perfect the creation of instruments long before a single note can be played. Young musicians study for years, practicing for hours each day, so that audiences can enjoy a single hour of their work.
I have lived in two UNESCO Cities of Music: Kansas City and Wuxi. Both have given me a unique opportunity to experience music in ways that have shaped me as a person. But they have also heavily shaped my marriage and the community that surrounds me. I am excited to share the story of two cultures colliding through music, cultivating a love that will transcend a lifetime.
I am fortunate to witness this intense artistic world firsthand. I cannot simply speak about the music of two cities, but rather the music of two hearts that grew together because of the stability and opportunity those musical cities provided. To tell that story, I must begin with my own love story — one shaped entirely by music and the path that eventually led me to Wuxi.
Our story begins with a simple question: "Do you know anyone in Kansas City who can help me move?" My friend replied, "I know two guys, Joe and Bennet. They can help you." Relief washed over me; moving to a new city alone was the most frightening thing I had ever done, and at least I would have help. When I arrived in Kansas City with a truck full of belongings, I met "Joe", a tall, handsome Chinese man. My first thought was, Wow, he is very strong, as he lifted box after box. I did everything I could to convince him to take me on a date — and it worked.
The author's cat sits atop the music to distract her husband. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
We went to a jazz bar, sipped martinis, and listened to live music. I had no idea I was being introduced to a world I never knew existed.
For the next year, we spent every moment we could together — visiting art museums, attending concerts, and exploring the city. But the music didn't stay on the stage. Every morning at 8 am, without fail, Joe practiced the trombone. He had come to Kansas City for an opportunity in a field completely different from mine, and I watched him build a new life for us with discipline and passion. He performed with the Kansas City Orchestra during The Shining opera, played in churches during Christmas, and continued refining his craft as he prepared for auditions in China.
Sometimes I wouldn't see him for days because he was so busy. During those times, I explored the city alone. Music poured from every corner — dancers moving to hip-hop in the streets, buskers performing on the plaza, musicians appearing everywhere I turned. I listened to the songs Joe recommended while I drove, and with each note, my love for him and for the city deepened.
Then the day came: the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra was holding auditions in New York City. A whirlwind of emotions swept through us. This was the moment he had worked so hard for. He was preparing to leave the next week, and we didn't know what it meant for our growing relationship. I told him to go — or rather, I said, "No matter where the music takes you, I will go. I will follow you around the world."
He went, and it was the right choice. He won the audition. Suddenly, our lives became chaotic — paperwork, plane tickets, packing, and falling in love. In the middle of it all, we got married. No ceremony, no celebration — just the two of us in a car, listening to music, realizing we would soon be living in China.
The author and her husband reunite in Shanghai for the first time. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Three days after our wedding, he left for Wuxi, and I stayed behind. For two months, we were apart, and for two months, I listened to the music of the city alone. I was preparing to move to a country I knew nothing about, with a language I had never studied, to a city I had never heard of. I was terrified. I had never even been on a plane before, and now my cat and I would be flying across the Pacific Ocean to join my husband. Everyone thought we were insane — and maybe we were — but it was a risk born from love and from music. I had moved to a new city once before; surely I could move to a new country … right?
My first experience in China was at the W Hotel, staring at the Shanghai skyline before boarding the orchestra bus back to Wuxi. The bus was full of musicians from Ecuador, Japan, Hungary, and beyond. I never imagined so many of them would become my friends. Together, we learned how to order delivery, navigate the city, and build a community. I pet-sat while they toured, and I learned about cultures from around the world. I had never experienced such a supportive community until I let music into my life so deeply.
The author's husband (second from left) with his low brass section in the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Now, when I watch them perform, I see a stage full of friends who have helped me grow. When I heard that Wuxi had been named the "UNESCO City of Music", my heart swelled with pride for the work I've seen the orchestra put in. I walked past the new concert hall every day, peeking through the fence to imagine what it would be like. Now that it's open, I see the excitement in the community. Grandmothers pushing babies stroll past the hall, neighbors talk about the new restaurants opening nearby, and the fountains attract visitors who enjoy outdoor music and the gardens surrounding the hall.
When I first moved here, I was scared. I didn't speak Chinese, and I knew nothing about the country. But through music, I learned, grew, and flourished. To me, Wuxi is not just the City of Music — it is the city where I get to watch my friends share their art with a community that truly appreciates the dedication behind every note.
The author, Gabrielle Chen, hailing from Kansas City, Kansas, the United States, has lived in Wuxi since 2024, accompanying her husband. She enjoys writing, traveling, and photography.
If you would like to share your Wuxi stories, then send us your writings at wuxiexpatstories@163.com.
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