Pounce, one of Shirley's 5 cats, has been missing for over 6 months. Tale of a Loss Purr is a piece which conveys how much she misses him, her longing for him to return and the sweet memories shared together which will be remembered forever. Losing a pet cat, or any other pet animal, is incredibly painful. It is like losing a family member. Thoughts and prayers to all cats and animals who are suffering in the world.

Composer: Shirley Ly
String Quartet: Alerion Strings with Claudia Dehnke and Flora Yeung (Violinists), John Michael Hird (Violist) and Chris Terepin (Cellist)

© SHIRLEY LY

Tale of A Loss Purr by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

In China, Vietnam and other countries, the lotus symbolises purity and commitment where it rises above the muddy waters – we can all learn from this flower. The lotus is Vietnam’s national flower.

Composer: Shirley Ly
Violinist: Susanna Griffin

© SHIRLEY LY

Blooming Lotus 莲花盛开 by Shirley Ly | Violin and Piano

The expression of gratefulness for all of life's journeys.

Composer and Pianist: Shirley Ly
Lead violinist: Kevin Saw
Second Violinist: Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Wei Wei Tan
Cellist: William Lui

Grateful by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Magnolia blooms in soft repose, 
With petals bright, a fragrant pose.
A timeless beauty, pure and true, 
It whispers peace in morning’s hue. 

Composer: Shirley Ly
Violinists: Joana Ly, Suzannah Quirke
Cellist: William Lui
Violist: Connor Quigley

© SHIRLEY LY

Magnolia 玉兰 by Shirley Ly | String Quartet

In Chinese and many other cultures, harmony is a central concept that reflects balance, peace and the idea of unity. 

Composer: Shirley Ly
Violinists: Joana Ly and Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley
Cellist: William Lui

© SHIRLEY LY

Harmony 和平 by Shirley Ly | String Quartet

In bamboo forests, tall and strong
Whispers of resilience hum along
Through wind and storm, they bow but stand
A living strength within the land.

Composer and Pianist: Shirley Ly
Violinists: Joana Ly and Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley 
Cellist: William Lui

© SHIRLEY LY

Bamboo Forests 竹林 by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Blue dragonflies dance in the air
Wings aglow, without a care
In rivers and streams, they glide so free
A fleeting symbol of harmony.

Composer & Pianist: Shirley Ly
Violinists: Joana Ly and Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley
Cellist: William Lui

© SHIRLEY LY

Blue Dragonflies 蓝蜻蜓 by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Plum blossoms blush in winter’s snow
A burst of purple where cold winds blow
In the land, their petals shine, 
A touch of spring in frosty time. 


Composer: Shirley Ly
Cellist: William Lui
Violinists: Joana Ly, Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley

© SHIRLEY LY

Plum Blossoms 梅花 by Shirley Ly | String Quartet

On top of the mountain peaks, spirits dwell
In mist and stone, their stories swell
Sacred mountains, old and wise
Whispering truths beneath the sky.

Composer & Pianist: Shirley Ly
Violinists: Joana Ly and Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley
Cellist: William Lui

© SHIRLEY LY

Sacred Mountains 圣山 by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Lanterns rise on winds so free
Carrying whispers, hopes to see.
Each glow a wish, a dream takes flight.
Lighting the dark with soft delight.

Composer & Pianist: Shirley Ly
Cellist: William Lui
Violinists: Joana Ly, Suzannah Quirke
Violist: Connor Quigley

© SHIRLEY LY

Lantern Wishes 灯笼愿望 by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

NEW ALBUM, WINDS OF THE EAST (2025) IS OUT NOW!

Instagram: @shirleylymusic

Shirley Ly is a self-taught British female contemporary classical music composer from Greenwich in London, United Kingdom, with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. She has composed over 50 pieces for solo piano / violin / cello, duets, trios, quartets and quintets. She has produced 5 albums: Winds of the East (2025), 9 Lives (2023), Paradise (2023), Blossom (2021), and Impetus (2018) and released multiple singles i.e. Olive Tree (2024), Emerald (2023), and London Strive (2023). Her music has been played around a million times across more than 100 countries around the world spanning six continents, including by BBC radio. Shirley plays the piano in all of her pieces.
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The pieces in her albums aim to capture her reflections on life experiences relating to nature (i.e., swallows' journeys to their nests, the seasons, swans), living in London, dance, relationships with family and other loved ones, travel (i.e. to Berlin, Amsterdam), and dreams. 

Winds of the East (2025) is inspired by Shirley’s Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, her grandfather who was a distinguished painter and poet in China and her recent travels in South East Asia particularly in areas of natural beauty. 

Paradise (2023) is inspired by her experiences of swimming, diving, sailing, and surfing in the ocean, and she hopes that her music can further emphasise its importance. 
 
9 Lives (2023) is inspired by the beauty, charm and mysteriousness of cats. She lives in London with her five cats, and gain a lot of inspiration from them. This album aims to raise money for animal charities in areas which need support the most.

All works are protected by copyright. Please do not use them without permission.

© Shirley Ly

Blue Dragonflies 蓝蜻蜓 by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Shirley Ly | Classical Music Composer & Pianist

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