The Silk Road is far more than a historic trading route that connected the people and traditions of Asia with Europe.

When we enlarge our view of the world, we deepen our understanding of our own lives. The Silk Road project hopes to plant the seed of new cultural growth and to celebrate traditions and musical voices everywhere. The Silk Road is far more than a historic trading route that connected the people and traditions of Asia with Europe.

But an innovation, to grow organically from within, has to be based on an intact tradition, so our idea is to bring together musicians who represent all these traditions, in workshops, festivals, and concerts, to see how we can connect with each other in music.

I realized late in life that my twin passions are music and people.

When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film project was collaborating with so many people - directors, filmmakers, and writers - over a five-year period. I learned that there are two components to this.