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Composer  

 

Yi Wen Shen was a Chinese-American composer who was born on December 28, 1955, in Shanghai, China. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a family that valued education and music. His father was a professor of mathematics, and his mother was a pianist who taught music at a local school. Shen's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Shen began his formal music education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began composing his own music at the age of eight. Shen's parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music when he was ten years old. At the conservatory, Shen studied composition, piano, and music theory under the guidance of some of China's most renowned music educators. In 1977, Shen moved to the United States to continue his music education. He enrolled in the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, where he studied composition with Halsey Stevens and piano with John Perry. Shen received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1981 and went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the same institution in 1983. Shen's music is heavily influenced by his Chinese heritage and his experiences living in both China and the United States. His compositions often blend traditional Chinese music with Western classical music, creating a unique and distinctive sound. Shen's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Shen's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, "China Dreams." The piece was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2007 under the direction of conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. The symphony is a tribute to Shen's Chinese heritage and explores themes of cultural identity and the struggle for freedom. The piece features traditional Chinese instruments, including the erhu and pipa, and incorporates elements of Chinese folk music. Another notable work by Shen is his Piano Concerto No. 2, which was premiered by pianist Lang Lang and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in 2012. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist and features intricate piano passages and lush orchestration. The piece is a testament to Shen's skill as a composer and his ability to blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. In addition to his work as a composer, Shen was also a respected music educator. He taught composition and music theory at the University of Southern California and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Shen was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential as musicians. Sadly, Yi Wen Shen passed away on December 31, 2016, at the age of 61. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for years to come. Shen's music is a testament to his talent as a composer and his ability to bridge cultural divides through the universal language of music.

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