Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

July 8, 1953 in Beijing, China

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Zhou Long is a Chinese-American composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on July 8, 1953, in Beijing, China, Zhou Long grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer and conductor, and his mother was a music teacher. Zhou Long began studying music at a young age and showed a natural talent for composition. In 1977, Zhou Long graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where he studied composition with Wu Zuqiang. He then went on to study at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned his doctorate in music composition in 1993. During his time in the United States, Zhou Long was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including Western classical music, jazz, and rock. Zhou Long's music is characterized by its fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions. He draws on his Chinese heritage to create works that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. His compositions often incorporate traditional Chinese instruments, such as the pipa and erhu, as well as Western instruments. One of Zhou Long's most famous works is "The Rhyme of Taigu," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 2005. The piece is based on a traditional Chinese drumming style called Taigu, which is often used in Chinese opera. Zhou Long's composition combines this traditional drumming with Western orchestration to create a unique and powerful sound. Another notable work by Zhou Long is "The Deep, Deep Sea," which was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony in 2011. The piece is inspired by the Chinese legend of the Dragon King, who rules over the oceans. Zhou Long's composition uses a combination of Western and Chinese instruments to create a vivid musical portrait of the sea. Zhou Long has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2011, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his opera "Madame White Snake," which is based on a Chinese legend. The opera premiered at the Boston Opera House in 2010 and has since been performed at opera houses around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Zhou Long is also a respected music educator. He has taught at a number of universities, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of California, Berkeley. Zhou Long's music has been praised for its innovative blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. His compositions are deeply rooted in his Chinese heritage, but also draw on a wide range of musical influences. Through his work, Zhou Long has helped to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a unique and powerful sound that has captivated audiences around the world.

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