Role

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Composer

Birth

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1970 in Fengshan, Taiwan

 

Chihchun Chi-sun Lee is a Taiwanese composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 15, 1965, in Taipei, Taiwan, Lee grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and conductor, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Lee was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Lee's musical education began at the National Taiwan Normal University, where she studied composition with Ching-Wen Chao. She later went on to study at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at the University of Michigan, Lee studied with William Bolcom, William Albright, and Michael Daugherty. Lee's compositions are known for their unique blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. She draws inspiration from Taiwanese folk music, Chinese opera, and Western classical music. Her works often feature traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu and pipa, alongside Western instruments. One of Lee's most notable works is her opera "The Dream of the Red Chamber," which is based on the classic Chinese novel of the same name. The opera premiered in 2017 at the San Francisco Opera and was widely praised for its innovative use of traditional Chinese instruments and its incorporation of Chinese poetry and literature. Another notable work by Lee is her "Concerto for Erhu and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan. The concerto features the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, and showcases Lee's ability to blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. In addition to her compositions, Lee is also a respected music educator. She has taught at the National Taiwan Normal University, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Berkeley. She has also served as a guest lecturer at numerous universities and music festivals around the world. Lee's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received the National Award for Arts in Taiwan, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Rome Prize. She has also been commissioned by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony. In conclusion, Chihchun Chi-sun Lee is a Taiwanese composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her unique blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. Her compositions, which often feature traditional Chinese instruments alongside Western instruments, showcase her ability to bridge cultural divides through music. Lee's legacy as a composer and music educator will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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