Chiayu’s evocative music reflects her origins in Taiwan and responses to life in the West, an environment in which her career has been burgeoning with a remarkable number of commissions and awards. Zhi explores counterpoint and Taiwanese rhythmic patterns, the title meaning “to weave or to interlace”, while Huan conjures up sounds from nature. Employing virtuoso non-traditional techniques, the Twelve Signs of the Chinese zodiac portrays a complete cycle of character traits, while Journey to the West depicts an allegorical adventure towards enlightenment. The brilliance of Sparkle was inspired by fireworks and includes special brass instrument effects, while Urban Sketches takes us on a walk through New York City, with electronic sounds interwoven seamlessly with those of the musicians.

Artists

Ricardo Morales (clarinet), Clancy Newman (cello), Natalie Zhu (piano), Hsu Chiayu (electronics), Coline-Marie Orliac (harp), Che-Hung Chen (viola), Sara Huebner (trumpet), Diana Wensley (trumpet), Dana Cullen (horn), Brian Santero (trombone), Pierrick Fournès (tuba), Hirono Oka (violin), Hanchien Lee (piano)

The Ciompi Quartet, Members of the Curtis Institute of Music & Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra