Seeking Identity Through Composing with Shiuan Chang
“When I was able to release all judgements and release what I was taught was right or wrong I was able to compose freely.”
Summary of Episode:
Jenn speaks to Taiwanese bred New York based composer Shiuan Chang. Born and raised in Taipei, Shiuan his earliest memories composing music was when he was just 7yrs old, his teachers discovered his talent and encouraged him to study composition and thus he went to the New England Music Conservatory in Boston to continue his education. Though he didn’t obtain a degree there Shiuan has since built a career composing music that has been performed at many renowned concert halls around the world. Shiuan shares with us some of his failures he has encountered, his search for identity and how that influences the music he creates.
You should always know that there are many others whether in the past, present or future who are experiencing the same lowest point as you are right now, you are not alone.
About Shiuan Chang:
Describe as “spiritual, light and comforting.” by Classic Agenda (FR), Recipient of Asian Cultural Council and Djerassi Foundation, CHANG Shiuan’s music has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Suntory Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Moscow Philharmonic Chamber Hall, Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall, Hungary Bartok Hall, Taiwan National Concert Hall, Le Phenix Valenciennes, Grafenegg, Weimar Kunstfest, Geneva Archipel Festival, Royaumont, and more. He has been commissioned by and collaborated with Cloudgate Contemporary Dance Company, Tonkunstler Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, Taiwan Philharmonic, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, Chicago Civic Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Ekmeles Ensemble, Les Métabole, Princeton Singers, TANA Quartet, Atlas Ensemble, Ensemble Multilaterale, Earplay Ensemble, and Ictus Ensemble.
Episode Resources:
Website / IG / Spotify / Youtube / Miles Davis Autobiography / George Aperghis / Something Like a Autobiography / Bian Zhou Composition / Before Everything Appears
