In a historic appointment, the International Music Council (IMC-UNESECO) has officially nominated Rachael Xu as an IMC Five Music Rights Champion, recognising her significant commitment to music and its transformative potential – becoming both the first Chinese artist and the first accordionist ever to receive this global distinction.

The appointment was made by IMC President Sheila Woodward, who highlighted Xu’s strong record of supporting the IMC’s core values as outlined in the Five Music Rights:

Rachael Xu, born in December 2009, is a member of the Yi ethnic minority. She is currently enrolled at Huaai Preparatory Academy in Chengdu, China, on a presidential full scholarship, is a Titano Youth Artist and for the past four years has been a Global Friend of the IMC.

She holds two performance diplomas, one from the Sichuan Music Conservatory Graded Exam Center and another from the British College of Accordionists. Rachael is also the winner of numerous international competitions. She has been studying the accordion under the guidance of internationally acclaimed accordionist Grayson Masefield since 2018.

As a long-time Global Friend of the International Music Council (IMC), Rachael Xu has continually championed the Five Music Rights, with a strong focus on promoting musical awareness among young children around the world. Since beginning her international journey at the age of eight, her accordion performances have taken her to over 15 countries.

Her appointment joins her with other prominent champions such as Dr. Ahmad Sarmast (founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music), percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, and artist-activist Ramy Essam.

“I’m deeply honoured to represent both my instrument and my heritage in this global role,” said Xu. “Music can connect communities across borders, and I hope to continue championing those whose voices are still unheard.”

Read the full press release here.