Event: Academy Composition Concert
Performance: 20 May, 2021 at Academy Recital Hall (Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts)

The Red Poppy-Two Minutes Silence 
for Bass Clarinet, Horn and Double Bass
Bass Clarinet: Cheuk-yan Sherine CHU
Horn: Tsz-long YU
Double Bass: Ka-lok Carlos SO

A two minutes silence has been held at 11 am on every 11 November since 1919 (a year after the end of the first world war). The silence is meant as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their countries. 

There are three sections in this piece. A slow introduction with a key click effect simulates ticking of time. The lament of double bass meditates on the two minutes silence. The interaction between the three instruments shows the understanding of the silence.

The Red Poppy-Two Minutes Silence (for Bass Clarinet, Horn and Double Bass)

Event: Choreographer Performance
Performance: 15 April, 2022. Dance Studio at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts


Karma 
for Xiao, Guzheng and Electronic Music
-Xiao: Chun-hei KWOK
-Zheng: Jia-wen CHEN

In this dance composition, Choreographer and I explore the word “Karma” which refers to the concept of cause and effect. It is believed to be a fundamental cosmic law that governs the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Driven by desires, our actions, intentions, and choices have consequences that shape our present and future experiences. 

The balance of audio and visual are shaped by space and time. It is a journey of longing.  Divided into three sections, the Chinese instruments Xiao and Guzheng represent two contrasting characters of purity and desire. Starting with Guzheng, its timbre creates a mysterious mood which is like the lures of desire. The earthy and purity sound of Xiao then enters, and the rhythm becomes intense. In the second section, the two characters are dragged into the whirlpool with the join in of String, brass, and percussion. Finally, the conversation of the character is a self-reflection.

Karma (for Xiao, Guzheng and Electronic Music)

Event: Academy Composition Concert
Performance: 13 January, 2023 at Academy Concert Hall (Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts)


The Red Poppy-Void 
for Soprano, 2 Cello and Harp (2023)
Soprano: Harriet Hanrui LIU
Cello1: Kung-chi Aron CHOW
Cello2: Anyi Cay CHEN
Harp: Yin-wah Natalie LO

Though it maybe a painful void, 
learn to love the absence within your heart,
it is a space reserved for you.

There are three falls in this piece. Stillness is interrupted by the attacks. When your mind is spinning but you can’t feel anything. Just empty. Two cellos form a railway track and interact with harp’s repeated calling. Soprano’s long notes appear with vanity.

The Red Poppy-Void (for Soprano, 2 Cello and Harp)

Event: Academy Composition Concert
Performance: 26 April, 2022 at Hong Kong Academy Recital Hall
Percussion 1: Suet-ying LAW
Percussion 2: Wang-sum LAW
Percussion 3: Wai-hei LI 


State of Mind
for Three Chinese Bass Drum (2022)

Embrace the world with a serene mind. You can start your day with a calmness of mind, coolness of emotions and a heart filled with gratitude.

This piece consists of five sections. They are closely related to each other while exploring different density of space. Starting with unison, the raw percussive sound of Chinese large drums purely brings a majestic opening. And the solo part of fourth section shows a delicate touching of Chinese Bass Drum.

The Red Poppy-Two Minutes Silence (for Bass Clarinet, Horn and Double Bass)

heiman.crystal.yip

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