LIVE PERFORMANCE • THE LITTLE CAFE

Leah Ou (O’s Pipa) and Alyssa Rodriguez (The Fiddle Witch) began collaborating in 2019, arranging their original folk-inspired music for the Chinese pipa and the Swedish nyckelharpa. Their music explores the meeting point between traditional Chinese and Swedish music.
Their music weaves haunting melody and driving rhythm into a rich tapestry of sound. Rooted in friendship and curiosity, their work is both intimate and expansive — a heartfelt blend of traditions from different corners of the world, reimagined with a modern twist.
Based in Rochester, NY, they have become active contributors to the Rochester music scene, offering audiences a fresh take on traditional music.

Leah Ou was born in Chengdu, China, where she began her classical training on the pipa, an instrument with a history spanning over two millennia. Her musical journey bridges ancient traditions and contemporary innovation, drawing from a diverse repertoire that includes centuries-old compositions, original improvisations, and modern songs performed with her super-charged Chinese rock band.
Leah’s artistry explores the pipa’s wide expressive range—from melodic and percussive textures to serene and otherworldly sounds—emphasizing authenticity and pride in the rich traditions of her musical culture. Her work reflects a deep commitment to preserving vibrant musical legacies while pushing the boundaries of expression through collaboration and creative experimentation.

Website * Facebook * YouTube

Alyssa is one of the few and finest players of the nyckelharpa, Sweden’s national “keyed fiddle” instrument, in New York. She has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright grant to study at The Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, where she researched Nordic folk music and folk music improvisation. Alyssa has studied nyckelharpa with many riksspellmän (master Swedish folk musicians) in Sweden, including at the year-long folk music course at the Eric Sahlström Institute 2023-2024. She has headlined festivals at the American Swedish Institute and the Jamestown Scandinavian Festival, and she gives lecture recitals as well as sold out performances as “The Fiddle Witch” at Rochester’s Fringe Fest.