Whispering Orchid in the Silent Valley emerged from my experiences while traveling through the captivating landscapes of the Lake District. Enveloped by the natural environment, particularly the woods and mountains, I was inspired to create a musical piece that captures the intricate layers of sound I encountered in these serene settings. The concept of different sonic layers is manifested through the use of multiphonics. Also, each instrument carries its independent melodic line, weaving together a rich tapestry of timbres reminiscent of the varied sounds resonating through the woodlands and echoing up the mountains. When incorporating instrument from a non-Western tradition, my approach was one of both respect for the instrument's performance context and a desire to explore new possibilities within contemporary music.

Whispering Orchid In The Silent Valley

June 2024

Blurred moments shape memories and ignite dreams

Threads - for flute, clarinet in Bb, and violin

Po Hang Yuen is a composer and educator with a profound dedication to contemporary music, specializing in cross-cultural composition and interculturality. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Music in Composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Dance, Po Hang has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical expression by integrating diverse cultural elements into their work.

Po Hang Yuen’s educational journey is marked by notable achievements. In addition to his current doctoral studies, he earned a Master of Music in Composition with Distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music and another Master of Music in Composition with Distinction from King’s College London. He also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The University of Hong Kong.

Through participating in various specialised training programs, such as Sound Explorations: Composing for Cello Today (2024), the SEED Virtual Composition Academy (2024), International Academy of Musical Creation and Early Music (2024), ICEBERG Institute (2021), The reMusik.org Composition Course (2021) and masterclasses hosted by Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation (2023), Sävellyspaja (2023), New Hong Kong Philharmonia (2022), etc., Po Hang has sought out diverse and enriching learning experiences.

As a visiting teacher for WeCompose curated by Music in the Round, Po Hang has imparted his knowledge and passion for music to students, fostering the next generation of composers. They have also served as a Music Specialist for the Chinese Children’s Culture and Art Promotion Association and a Music Teacher for RoSSo Fashion & Arts Education, where they helped students prepare for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

Po Hang Yuen's work has been recognised and supported through numerous residencies and festivals. They have been a participant for the Britten Sinfonia’s Opus 1 (2022), and has participated in various events such as the Sofia Symphonic Summit (2022), Vienna Summer Music Festival (2022), and the ECM Emerging Music Festival (2021), Impulse New Music Festival (2021). Their involvement in these programs underscores their standing in the contemporary music scene and their commitment to cross-cultural dialogue.

In his compositional work, Po Hang has collaborated with various ensembles and orchestras, often focusing on the integration of diverse cultural sounds and traditions. Their piece “Images From My Consciousness” is set to be recorded by the Valette Ensemble in Manchester. Other works include “Cosmic Embrace,”  performed by the Avanti Chamber Orchestra, “Lunar Eclipse”, premiered by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and “Fearless Flames,” commissioned by the RNCM Gold Medal Competition.

Whispering Orchid In The Silent Valley

Po Hang Yuen

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