Depending on its Chinese ideograms, 粵 or 越, “Yut” (Romanized based on Cantonese pronunciation) can mean “Cantonese” or “cross,” respectively. Drawing on her unique background—a blend of Chinese heritage and Italian education—Heidi Li presents a captivating fusion of musical genres. The repertoire of Yut Quartet features original compositions inspired by both Chinese traditional music and Italian music, as well as arrangements that intricately blend Italian and Chinese melodies. This creates a rich musical dialogue between the two cultures, harmonizing Eastern and Western traditions.

Xiqu (Chinese opera) is a traditional form of Chinese theatrical performance that integrates singing, acting, dialogue, and acrobatics.Yuequ (Cantonese Opera) is one of the most widely performed regional branch of xiqu and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009. Its dynamic rhythms and expressive vocal techniques naturally align with the improvisational and emotive qualities of jazz, particularly Italian jazz, which is renowned for its emphasis on expressive melodies. This shared focus on melodic richness reveals a profound compatibility between the two genres. Furthermore, both jazz and Cantonese opera celebrate individual artistic interpretation and incorporate elements of improvisation, deepening their shared creative foundation. Heidi’s work captures this synergy, skillfully integrating the melodic and structural intricacies of Yuequ with jazz’s free-spirited ethos.