WASBE commissioned a new work by internationally renowned composer, Li Chan from China.
"May Hwua San Nong"
Three Stanzas of Plum-blossom
(based on the theme of Chinese Guqin music)
RECORDING
Performed by the University of St. Thomas Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Conducted by Dr. Matthew George
October 13, 2024
LEAD COMMISSIONER
CONSORTIUM MEMBERS
Adam Mailman - Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts at Central Memorial High School, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alan W. Mills
Alberto Roque
Andrea E. Brown, University of Maryland
Anthony Reimer, Calgary, Canada
Appalachian State University, Dr. Jason Gardner
Augusta University
Brian Coffill, Randolph-Macon College
Brooklyn Wind Symphony
Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin (USA)
Christopher Memoli, Director of Music, Weston Public Schools
Dennis Senkbeil, Salisbury University
Freiburger Blasorchester, Germany
George Fox University
Georgia Southern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Darrell Brown, director
Hopkins High School Band
Jennifer Harenburg
John M. (Jay) Watkins, Jr, University of Florida
Joop Boerstoel (NL), conductor/advisor
Joseph Scott, D.M.A., Pierce College, Puyallup, Washington, U.S.A.
Kaitlin Bove, Diablo Valley College
Dr. Laura Rexroth, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Lod Youth Concert Band, Israel
Luke Camarillo, Rochester Institute of Technology
Mark Grauer, North Division High School. Milwaukee, WI
Markus Mauderer
Matthew Oyen, Saint Paul Central High School, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Musikgesellschaft Harmonie Biberist, Switzerland
Musikgesellschaft Konkordia Reinach, Switzerland
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Joshua Roach
Netanya Municipal Conservatory, Israel. Uri Reisner, Director
Nolan Hauta, University of Dubuque
Orchestre d'harmonie de Valdoie, France
Paul Kile, Edina High School
Paul Kile, Edina High School (MN)
Rivers School Conservatory
Roland Yeung - Music Director The Grainger Wind Symphony, Melbourne Australia
Rom Shamir
Royal Northern College of Music
Russell Kramer, Mason City High School (IA)
St. Cloud State University Wind Ensemble
Stacy K. Dziuk, Carroll University
Stephen Pratt, Professor of Music Emeritus, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Strasbourg Conservatory of Music (France), Jeune Orchestre à vents, Miguel Etchegoncelay, conductor
Tarleton State University Symphonic Band
Dr. Timothy Mahr, Minnesota Symphonic Winds
Timothy Kaiser, Oklahoma Baptist University
University of Illinois Bands
University of Mississippi
University of New Mexico
ABOUT THE WORK
Three Stanzas of Plum-blossoms (Guqin Music)
Chinese people have a special respect and love for the plum blossom, which has become the embodiment of a certain personality of Chinese people. Therefore, plum blossoms have naturally become an important theme in ancient and modern art creation. People place their emotions on plum blossoms, using poetry, painting, and music to express their pure white, fragrant, and cold resistant characteristics, as well as their noble and elegant qualities such as being aloof and noble.
Three Stanzas of Plum-blossoms refers to the opening, decline, and rebirth of plum blossoms, and also represents a cycle of life. Everyone will experience the joy of opening, the sadness of decline, and the hope of rebirth. Therefore, the Three Stanzas of Plum-blossoms has become a philosophical idea that teaches people to cherish and be grateful, to better face life, rather than being dominated by it.
ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT
The "Guqin" is an ancient Chinese instrument (pictured above) also known as the Yao qin, the jade qin, the silk tong, and the seven stringed qin, has a history of at least 3,000 years. It is the most prestigious musical instrument in ancient China, known as a philosophical art or artistic philosophy, and listed as the top of the four arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
LI Chan was born in 1981 in China. She graduated from the Composition Department of Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). She is currently the Composer of the Military Band of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. She is a freelance composer and has written multiple pieces for professional and community groups.
Some of her published works include:
Our Youth with no regrets (Piano Concerto with Wind Band);
Expedition
Moon at the fortified Pass
Little hands turns cold— Nanking Massacre
The Himalaya Peak
Shangri-La
Guangxi Folk Song-Impression of the Lijiang River
Folksong of Midu (Prizewinner of the WASBE International Composition Contest)
March of the blue expedition
Her works have been published by People's Music Publishing House (China), Murphy Music Press and JC Link Music (Hong Kong, SAR).