Journey of the Red Phoenix

Programme Notes
Journey of the Red Phoenix was my first composition for Chinese orchestra.
The project was an extraordinary opportunity for me to learn about each
traditional Chinese instrument while discovering their sonic and expressive
possibilities within an orchestral context. As I was writing this work, I wanted
to explore all the possible combinations there were between the instruments
while telling a tale that would maintain the listener’s interest. To achieve
this, I approached the work as a series of “images” where the music unfolds
from one mythical scene to the next. As colorful as each instrument was,
it was also important to me that various key players were provided the
opportunity to showcase their talents. Thus, various instruments were
highlighted in the form of solos, duos, and trios. The general narrative of
the work was inspired by a dream I had about a red phoenix: meeting the
wondrous animal and hearing its beautiful song, riding on its back through
an enchanting forest while confronting many beasts and creatures along the
way, then returning to its home to rest peacefully for the night.
I greatly thank composer Tony Leung for his guidance throughout the
creation of this piece. This work is dedicated to Maestro Yan Huichang.